How hard is it to set up your appointments and everything you have to do for VA claims? Do you have to wait until you are officially out?

Your TAP should have a briefer on the the VA and timeline of when you can start. As a norm you can submit your claim 180 to 90 days before discharge. Basically you'll submit a claim and the VA will contact you and start setting up any necessary appointments. COVID threw appointments into a tail spin. I have quite a few claims that are currently deferred and others that were approved based on just my medical records.

Also, find out who your local VSO is where you'll be living or where you are now if submitting a claim before seperation. They could be in an office or they could be through the VFW or other reps. They are a wealth of knowledge, can help submit your claims, and advocate for you. I would have missed out on quite a bit had it not been for their assistance. I do not recommend submitting your claim yourself. Use the VSO reps (foot stomp, hint, hint).

You can find your local VSO though a search on the eBenefits site.

Good luck to you sir.

V/R
Bogie

I'd like to add!
Because I already had filed for disability, han all my C&P exams & had a VA percentages - it really speeded up my Army MEB board process! An added incentive to filing before you get out!

I wish I would have applied for disability before I got out!
Reason being, when the VA finally gives you a rating percentage, THEY WILL BACKPAY YOU from the date you 1st applied for disability!
I missed out on tens of thousands of $ (as I am now 100%)!
I recommend you apply ASAP!
Even if you don't have all your documentation, you can get it together later. But it's important (for pay) to apply ASAP!