How Does Back Pay Work for VA Disability?

You probably know that getting your VA disability claim approved can take some time–especially if you have to go through an appeal. The good news is that if your claim is ultimately approved, you’ll get benefits starting from the effective date of your claim, not the date you were approved. That means that by the time your claim for veterans disability benefits is approved, you may be owed months or even a year or more of benefits.

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What is the “Effective Date”?

The effective date is the day you are eligible to start receiving benefits. The effective date of a claim for VA disability benefits is the later of:

The date you filed your claim, or filed a notice of intent to file a claim
The date your injury occurred or condition started

In most cases, that means that the effective date is the date of filing. If your claim is filed within one year of separation from service, your effective date may be earlier.

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How is VA Disability Back Pay Paid?

Obviously, you don’t actually start receiving VA disability pay after you file a claim. Your claim has to be approved first. When you are approved, the VA looks back to your effective date and calculates how much you are owed from that date until the date of your first regular disability payment. You’ll get all of that money in a lump sum.

Note, though, that it won’t necessarily be at your current rate. The amount of monthly veterans disability benefits you’re entitled to can vary over time, depending on factors such as the calendar year and the number and type of eligible dependents living with you. The VA will calculate your back pay based on what you would have received in each of the months since your effective date.

Can Back Pay Be Lost?

Back pay reaches back to the effective date of your claim. If your claim is denied and you don’t appeal promptly, you may still be able to get VA disability benefits. But, you’ll have to start a new claim, and that means a new effective date.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Get Help with Your VA Disability Claim

Back pay is important for veterans who may wait months or longer to get approved for veterans disability benefits. But the best result is to get a quick approval and begin receiving regular monthly benefits as soon as possible. At Disabled Vets, our advocates have the knowledge and experience to help you submit the strongest claim possible. To learn more, call (888) 373-4722 right now, or contact us here.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form