DISABILITY COMPENSATION 

SEPARATION HEALTH ASSESSMENT FOR SERVICEMEMBERS 

OVERVIEW 

The separation health assessment was developed to provide a single separation examination that 

supports the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation program and the 

Department of Defense (DoD) mandatory separation history and physical examination. The 

assessment captures current health information in a way that is accessible by DoD and VA. 

WHO CONDUCTS THE EXAM? 

•	 VA will conduct the exam for Servicemembers who file a complete application for disability 

compensation while having at least 90 days remaining on active duty. 

•	 DoD will conduct the exam for Servicemembers who do not file a claim for disability
 

compensation, or who file a claim with less than 90 days remaining on active duty.
 

ASSESSMENT BENEFITS 

•	 Provides a comprehensive medical evaluation at separation, which 

o	 Documents current and past medical concerns identified during military career, and 

o	 Assesses current health status and medical history. 

•	 DoD can use assessment results to identify and evaluate illnesses and injuries that are 

potentially caused by occupational exposures and physical hazards in military workplaces. This 

may result in eliminating these exposures and hazards and preventing future illnesses and 

injuries. 

•	 Assessments are an efficient way for VA to identify service-connected conditions. 

•	 Assessments allow more accurate prediction of future healthcare needs. 

•	 Information gathered from the assessment can be used focus Veteran outreach efforts. 

Disabilities determined by VA to be related to your military service can lead to monthly non-taxable compensation, enrollment in the 

VA health care system, a 10-point hiring preference for federal employment and other important benefits. Ask your VA 

representative or Veterans Service Organization representative about Disability Compensation,Pension,Health Care,Caregiver 

Program, Career Services,Educational Assistance,Home Loan Guaranty,Insurance and/or Dependents andSurvivors’ Benefits. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACTIONS 

Servicemembers filing a claim for VA disability compensation should: 

•	 Submit an application for VA benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability
 

Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits) between 90 and 180 days prior to
 

separation or retirement, 

•	 Submit a copy of service treatment records (STRs) from the current period of service, 

•	 Complete, sign, and submit DD Form 2807-1, “Report of Medical History, and 

•	 VA will schedule an exam to evaluate claimed conditions. 

Servicemembers in the following categories must complete and sign DD Form 2807-1, Report of 

Medical History, and DoD will complete the separation exam in coordination with the appropriate 

out-processing center for: 

•	 Servicemembers are not filing a claim for VA disability 

•	 Servicemembers with less than 90 days prior to discharge or retirement 

Note: Servicemembers with less than 90 days until discharge may still file a pre-discharge claim for 

VA disability benefits; however, the Servicemember must ensure the separation examination is 

completed by DoD. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) 

Question: I am not filing a VA disability claim, why do I have to get an exam? 

Answer: The assessment can uncover medical conditions that occurred during military service for which 

you may be unaware. If you choose to file a VA disability claim later, the information contained in the 

assessment may be essential in establishing that a disability was incurred in or aggravated by your military 

service. The assessment also provides information that can be used to identify and prevent illnesses and 

injuries caused by military service. Assessment information can also be used to more accurately predict 

healthcare services required for Veterans. 

Question: What does an assessment include? 

Answer: 

•	 Subjective Assessment of Health: You will complete the DD Form 2807-1, “Report of Medical 

History” prior to your scheduled exam. The VA or DoD examiner performing the exam will 

review the answers and ensure claimed contentions are addressed in the examiner’s section of 

the form or in the exam report, which becomes part of the record. 

Compensation Service—February 2016 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•	 Objective Assessment of Health: The examiner will review your complete medical history(including 

the DD Form 2807-1) and your current health status to determine if there is a need for further 

treatment or evaluations regarding any medical concerns. 

Question: Can I submit a VA disability claim while still on active duty? 

Answer: Yes, VA accepts disability claims from separating Servicemembers through two PreDischarge programs: 

o	 Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Program allows a Servicemember to submit a claim for 

disability compensation 60 to 180 days prior to separation, retirement, or release from active 

duty or demobilization 

o	 Quick Start Program allows a Servicemember to submit a claim for disability compensation 1 to 

59 days prior to separation, retirement, or release from active duty or demobilization 

For more information about filing a pre-discharge claim, please refer to the Pre-Discharge Programs 

brochure. VA representatives are available at many military installations to assist with submitting VA 

disability claims through the Pre-Discharge Programs. A list of military installations with a VA 

representative can be found in the VA Facility Locator. 

Question: How do I file a VA disability claim? 

Answer: You can file a VA disability claim through eBenefits. You can also file a VA claim in person 

with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or a VA representative at a military installation. Submit a 

copy of your STRs from your current period of military service and any copies of private treatment 

records not associated with TRICARE referrals. You should receive information regarding eligibility 

and application requirements during your Transition Assistance Program (TAP) briefing. 

For more information on VA disability benefits, call toll-free 1-800-827-1000 or visit VA’s website. 

Instructions and claim forms may also be found on TRICARE online. 

Compensation Service—February 2016