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What is VA disability back pay, and what are the rules around it for veterans?

It's common for veterans to seek back pay when they've been awarded VA disability benefits. It's also really common for veterans to waste time and energy trying to get back pay that the VA simply won't give them. So what exactly is VA disability back pay, who is qualified, and how can qualified veterans maximize it?


To answer these questions, we'll review some information about VA disability benefits effective dates and also cover the basic rules and regulations for back pay.


Here's what veteran should know about VA disability back pay (before they spend time and energy trying to get it):


What is VA disability back pay?

VA disability back pay is compensation for a period of time between the veteran's VA disability benefits effective date and the date that they began receiving their benefits. So basically, if you spent a long time waiting for your claim to get approved, back pay ensures that you were being fairly compensated.


To understand how back pay works, we have to get into effective dates. There are two common time periods that qualify for an effective date:

  • The date the claim was filed, and

  • The date entitlement arose (when the medical evidence shows the condition began)


There are some important exceptions regarding effective dates:

  1. If a claim is filed within one year of discharge, the effective date can be the day after separation from service.

  2. If a claim is reopened after being previously denied, the effective date is usually the date the VA received the reopened claim, not the original filing date.

  3. Certain claims tied to changes in law or VA regulations may also carry unique effective date rules.


Effective dates unfortunately have no relation to the onset of the condition, since they're typically the date you filed your claim. Regardless, this could still mean months, or even years, of extra compensation! There are a few specific rules around back pay, however…


What are the rules around VA disability back pay?

For starters, veterans need to make sure that their effective dates are correct before they check if they are eligible for backpay. Effective dates can be found on your award letter, ratings sheet, or e-benefits image from VA.gov. If you're still waiting to hear back about your VA disability benefits claim, just hang tight for now.


Effective dates will determine your eligibility for back pay. If your effective date is far behind the date that you were granted your VA disability benefits, then that amount of time is eligible for back pay.


Two categories apply to veterans regarding effective dates:


  • Continuously pursued claims: When the Veteran receives a decision and continuously chooses one of the options on the letter to disagree with the decision, or wants to add more evidence to the claim. 

  • Supplemental claims received after the closing date of a claim: Claims filed after that one year mark.  


We've covered effective dates in detail depending on your situation:


Get private medical evidence from an experienced team

We're veterans ourselves and we know how to navigate the VA's complex system. Get a Nexus Letter, DBQ, chart review, or general guidance on what you need to get the most out of your VA disability benefits claim. Our honest and empathetic team is ready to consult you on the most efficient steps to take regarding medical evidence for your claim.



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