**GAO-08-901**                      Published: Sep 09, 2008. Publicly Released: Oct 09, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

Recent military conflicts have increased interest in federal efforts to support servicemembers preparing to leave military service. Through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in collaboration with the Department of Defense (DOD), has made efforts to streamline access to veterans' disability benefits by allowing some servicemembers to file a claim and obtain a single comprehensive exam prior to discharge. This report examines VA's efforts to manage the BDD program and how VA and DOD are addressing challenges servicemembers face in accessing BDD. To address these objectives, GAO analyzed relevant documents and data, interviewed officials, and conducted site visits and interviews at selected military bases.

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## Topics

Veterans

AccountabilityClaimsClaims processingClaims settlementData collectionData integrityDisability benefitsInteragency relationsMedical examinationsMilitary benefits claimsMilitary dischargesMilitary personnelPerformance measuresPolicy evaluationProgram evaluationProgram managementVeteransVeterans benefitsVeterans disability compensationExecutive agency oversightProgram goals or objectives