← TOOLS
// SEPARATION FROM ACTIVE DUTY
ETS TRANSITION HUB
Your complete separation guide — from TAP to VA disability to your first civilian job. Start planning 12 months early. Most soldiers start too late.
⚠️
Start Your VA Disability Claim NOW
The single biggest financial mistake soldiers make at ETS is waiting to file their VA disability claim. File through Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) 90–180 days before ETS. Every undocumented condition is money left on the table — potentially $1,000–$3,000+/month in tax-free compensation for life.
TAP — Transition Assistance Program
TAP is a congressionally mandated program that every separating service member must complete. It's not optional — TAP completion is required before final out-processing. Start early; the full program takes 3–5 days and has prerequisites.
Core TAP Components
- ✓ Pre-separation counseling (2 hrs) — with Career Counselor
- ✓ 5-day TAP Workshop: DOL Employment Workshop, VA Benefits Briefing, Financial Planning
- ✓ Career pathway track: Employment, Education, Entrepreneurship, or Vocational Training
- ✓ Individual Transition Plan (ITP) submitted to Career Counselor
- ✓ Capstone review — verify milestones met
Where to Find TAP
- • Your installation Transition Office (Army Career and Alumni Program — ACAP)
- • Virtual TAP available at tapevents.mil
- • Schedule through your unit S1 at least 12 months before ETS
- • TAP is free — no cost to you
- • Bring your spouse/partner — they attend VA and financial sessions too
VA Disability Claim — Critical Before ETS
A VA disability rating provides tax-free monthly compensation based on your service-connected conditions. A 10% rating exempts you from the VA funding fee (saves thousands on a home purchase). At 100% P&T (Permanent and Total), you receive full benefits including healthcare, CHAMPVA for dependents, Chapter 35 education benefits, and potentially $3,000+/month tax-free.
2024 VA DISABILITY MONTHLY RATES (APPROXIMATE)
| Rating | Veteran Alone | With Spouse | With Spouse + Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $171 | $171 | $171 |
| 20% | $338 | $338 | $338 |
| 30% | $524 | $586 | $629 |
| 50% | $1,102 | $1,209 | $1,283 |
| 70% | $1,716 | $1,863 | $1,961 |
| 100% | $3,737 | $4,078 | $4,215 |
All VA disability compensation is tax-free. Rates adjusted annually.
How to maximize your claim:
- • Document every condition — even minor ones
- • Nexus letters from providers (connecting condition to service)
- • Buddy statements from fellow soldiers
- • Use a VSO (DAV, VFW, AMVETS) — completely free
- • File the BDD claim 90–180 days before ETS
What to document:
- • All injuries (even if treated and "healed")
- • Chronic pain, hearing loss, tinnitus
- • Mental health (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- • TBI or concussion history
- • Any condition that gets worse with age
// EDUCATION BENEFITS AFTER ETS
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
BEST FOR MOST VETERANS
- ✓ Full tuition at public in-state schools
- ✓ Up to $26,381/yr at private schools
- ✓ Monthly housing allowance (E-5 w/ dependent BAH rate)
- ✓ $1,000/yr book stipend
- ✓ 36 months of benefits (extendable for dependents)
- ✓ Transferable to spouse or children after 6+ years service
VocRehab / Chapter 31
FOR VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES
- ✓ Requires 20%+ disability rating
- ✓ Covers full cost of school + supplies
- ✓ Monthly subsistence allowance (higher than GI Bill in some cases)
- ✓ Job placement assistance and career counseling
- ✓ 48 months of benefits (vs 36 for GI Bill)
- ✓ Use AFTER GI Bill expires — or stack strategically
// CAREER RESOURCES FOR VETERANS
🤝
SkillBridge
Work for a civilian company during last 6 months of active duty — while still on military pay. 2,000+ partner companies.
🎖️
Hiring Our Heroes
U.S. Chamber of Commerce program connecting transitioning military with employers. On-site hiring events at installations.
🏛️
USAJOBS
Federal government jobs. Veterans preference adds 5 points (10 if disabled) to competitive exam scores. Check for Schedule A hiring authority.
💼
LinkedIn for Veterans
LinkedIn offers free Premium Career for 1 year to veterans. Access hiring managers directly. Translate your MOS to civilian job titles.
👔
American Corporate Partners (ACP)
Free one-year mentorship with a Fortune 500 employee. Invaluable for networking and career transition guidance.
🎯
TAOnline / MilitaryHire
Job boards specifically for transitioning military. Employers post knowing they want veterans.
// FINANCIAL CHECKLIST AT ETS
TSP — Thrift Savings Plan
- DO: Leave in TSP (lowest expense ratios anywhere, ~0.04%)
- DO: Roll to IRA/401k at new employer for investment flexibility
- DON'T: Cash out — 10% penalty + income taxes = loses 30-40%
- BRS members: your government contributions vest after 2 years
Healthcare Transition
- TAMP: Transitional Assistance Management Program — 180 days free TRICARE after separation
- VA Healthcare: Apply within 5 years of ETS for priority enrollment. Go to va.gov/health-care/apply
- COBRA: Continue TRICARE for 18 months (you pay premium)
- Enroll in VA healthcare BEFORE TAMP expires to avoid a gap
// 180-DAY ETS CHECKLIST
12 months out
- ☐Schedule initial TAP appointment with installation Transition Office
- ☐Contact VA rep on base about starting disability claim
- ☐Update/create LinkedIn profile
- ☐Request academic transcripts (AARTS/SMART) — converts military training to college credits
- ☐Begin researching civilian career fields and needed certifications
10 months out
- ☐Complete Pre-Separation Counseling (DD Form 2648)
- ☐Apply for Post-9/11 GI Bill or VocRehab if pursuing education
- ☐Enroll in SkillBridge program if available in your MOS/career field
- ☐Start VA disability claim — do not wait until after ETS
- ☐Request C&P examination documentation from your medical providers
9 months out
- ☐Complete TAP 5-day workshop (DOL Employment Workshop + VA/Finance/Education tracks)
- ☐Finalize Individual Transition Plan (ITP)
- ☐Update your security clearance information if applicable
- ☐Begin converting military certifications (CompTIA, FAA, etc.)
6 months out
- ☐Apply for Federal employment at USAJOBS.gov — veterans preference applies
- ☐Contact Hiring Our Heroes for hiring events and fellowship programs
- ☐Get resume reviewed by installation Transition Office or LinkedIn
- ☐Apply for SkillBridge fellowship programs at target companies
- ☐Start GI Bill housing allowance calculation for your school of choice
3 months out
- ☐Submit VA disability claim if not done — all medical documentation in
- ☐Arrange TRICARE extension (TAMP) — 180 days post-separation
- ☐Decision on TSP: leave in TSP or roll to IRA (do NOT cash out)
- ☐Confirm home situation: VA loan, rental, or move-in readiness
- ☐Final out-processing list from installation transition office
1 month out
- ☐Final physical/medical exam and document everything for VA
- ☐Settle financial accounts — DFAS final pay computation
- ☐Arrange final move (DITY/PPM or government move)
- ☐Get certified copies of DD-214 — protect this document
- ☐Enroll in VA healthcare (apply within 5 years of separation for priority group 5)
// FAQ
When should I start my VA disability claim?
As early as possible — ideally 12+ months before ETS through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. File before separation to ensure continuity of care and faster processing. The longer you wait, the harder it is to connect injuries to service. Every documented condition from your medical records is potential compensation.
What is SkillBridge and how do I get into it?
DoD SkillBridge allows active duty service members (within 180 days of separation) to work for an approved civilian employer while still receiving military pay and benefits. Over 2,000 partner companies participate including Amazon, Raytheon, Google, USAA, and more. Apply through your installation Transition Office and get unit commander approval.
What happens to my VA loan after I separate?
Your VA loan benefit remains available after separation — forever, for most veterans. You keep your entitlement even after ETS. The main difference: your income verification changes from LES to civilian pay stubs/W-2s. BAH stops at ETS, so factor that into your housing budget.
Post-9/11 GI Bill vs Montgomery GI Bill — which should I use?
Almost always Post-9/11 (Chapter 33) unless you have very specific reasons otherwise. Post-9/11 pays: full tuition at public schools, $26,381.37/yr cap at private schools, BAH at the E-5 with dependent rate for your school's zip code, and $1,000/yr book stipend. Montgomery (Chapter 30) pays a monthly flat rate (~$2,122/mo) which is usually less valuable.
What should I do with my TSP?
Do NOT cash out your TSP. You'll pay income taxes + 10% early withdrawal penalty (before age 59½). Options: (1) Leave it in TSP — great low-cost investment options, (2) Roll it to a civilian 401k, (3) Roll to an IRA for more investment flexibility. TSP's expense ratios (0.04%) are among the lowest anywhere — leaving it there is often the best choice.
How long does VA disability processing take?
Average processing time is 100–150 days for initial claims, but it varies significantly. BDD (filed 90–180 days before ETS) is typically faster. You can expedite with fully developed claims, proper documentation, and by using a VSO (Veterans Service Organization — free, use them).