Disability award date is the date of separation....when claims are 'normally' submitted. The BDD system allows for certain people to file their claim 6 months prior to separation (retirement)....however, it isn't actually submitted until your actual DOS. Therefore, in my situation, although mine was submitted on 1 May, to the VA it wasn't actually submitted until 1 November. Since my closing was in July...no chance for a refund. Just want people to know their options...it may be beneficial to not use the BDD system if you plan to close on a home during that 6 months AND you're going to get a disability award.