How Does VA Disability Back Pay Work?

So, you've finally decided to pursue a VA disability claim. Good for you! You deserve all the benefits that come with your service and sacrifices. But before you get too excited about that back pay, there are some things you need to know.

First off, let's talk about what exactly is "back pay for VA disability." Simply put, it's the money that you would have received if your VA disability claim had been approved earlier. So, if you've been waiting for months or even years for your claim to be processed, that back pay can really add up.

But here's the catch: the VA calculates back pay based on your disability effective date, not on when you applied or were approved. This means that it is crucial to file your claim as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed with a service-connected disability.

Now, here's the good news: even if your claim was previously denied, you may still be eligible for back pay. How? Through a review or an appeal of your case. If the VA determines that they were wrong in denying your claim, they will not only award you benefits going forward, but also back pay for the period of time they did not compensate you.

But let's be real here, dealing with the VA can sometimes feel like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded. So, it's always a good idea to seek assistance from a knowledgeable source before submitting your claim or appealing a decision.

And finally, just remember that while receiving a large sum of money in back pay may seem like a windfall, it's important to use it wisely. Don't blow it all on that dream vacation or fancy new car. Instead, consider putting some of it into savings for unexpected future expenses.

In conclusion, filing for VA disability can be a long and complicated process, but the potential for back pay makes it worth pursuing. Just make sure to file as soon as possible, seek help when needed, and use your back pay wisely. Happy claiming! Let's get you the benefits you deserve! #supportourtroops #vaclaims #backpay #vadisability

🔵 VA disability back pay calculator

🔶 Helpful resources for disabled veterans
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[CombatCraig]

🔵 It’s Time To Get Serious About Your Veterans Benefits!
❇ SUPERCHARGE your VA CLAIM!

[mandalorianjedi]

Just got 100 P and T on Valentines Day 2024 with 3.5 years of back pay.

[thfsaviation]

Back pay today after waiting since July of 22 on dependents to be updated. It was a day.

[UniqueU]

I got back pay when I went from 90 to 100%.I got several months of back pay and it was like getting a lottery ticket!

[bamablk]

Craig you keep me motivated I have had some horrible exams for mental health the past two times. Keep up the good fight!!!

[GUNZUPMUSIC]

I filed a claim in April 2023. I was denied July 2023. I immediately appealed in July 2023. November 2023 appeal was accepted via Higher Level Review. August 2024 I was awarded my VA Appeal. Took approximately 16 months to get through.

I did get a small bump in percentage, and I am now rated correctly and my original diagnosis has been corrected for future treatments.

Backpay: I had two C&P Exams. The latest exam was April 2024, when my appeal was awarded, I was back payed to my C&P exam date, not my original file or denial or appeal acceptance date. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THESE DATES.

As soon as I knew the math was not correct, I called the regional office and asked for an AUDIT. You don’t always have to HLR or Appeal. You can ask for an audit, which is supposed to take a week, not months.

Good luck to you all and I will return when I have news from my audit.

[kayhendricks]

My husband, Bill, filed for PTSD in 2016. He never received any response - no letters, no phone calls, etc. He assumed he was not approved. Note: He wasn't contacted for a CNP exam and wasn't aware he should have been. He filed a few years ago for PTSD again and discovered he was approved in 2016 and noted in his record was that he was given medication (not true) and he refused treatment. You can't refuse treatment if not offered treatment. His second filing resulted in 2 separate CNP exams. The first one went well, the examiner was thorough and at one point Bill was told he didn't need to continue questioning as he was positive he suffered from it (Nam 1968-1969) although the examiner did share that he wasn't suppose to share that info. Second exam was with a ringer. Didn't ask pertinent questions, talked about things not even related to PTSD. Rather, he spoke of his personal life and stated he would turn in his results. Naturally, it was denied. Bill has been told to get an outside (non-VA) psychological opinion but when he called to make appointment to do so, he was warned VA may take away his current benefits (90%). So now Bill is fearful of losing what he has. Talk about crooked!!

[DoomSet.]

How often/year/month should 100p&t vets go to the doctor to 'up keep' their records??? Thanks for all you do. You really helped me a lot

[XxJerseyBoyxX]

Two questions. The effective date in regards to your discharge date…is that only for Active duty or does that also apply to reservists/guard? Second question: Can you have multiple secondary claims for a disability such as PTSD?

[stickaman]

I am still waiting on my appeal from my intent to file on 15 Sep 22 for a rating increase. I was awarded an increase but was given effective date on the day of my CPE 21 June 23. Still waiting....

[PhilUtah]

Hi Craig, I've got a back pay question. Dec 2019 I filed for Allergic rhinitis (primary) and Eczema secondary. Both were denied for connection Nov 2020. Now, Allergic rhinitis is presumptive (PACT). I'm working on getting that nailed down. I'll likely get a 0% rating, but a rating nonetheless. If I can get Eczema connected a secondary- will the VA back pay the Eczema to my intent date (dec 2019)? TIA

[Knotready]

I filed a BDD Claim, received a decision Oct 1 and started collecting monthly compensation this month (Nov). Is there a timeframe to when the VA actually pays the back pay? Thank you for your insight!

[bmoreboy]

I have c&p exam tomorrow for sleep apnea secondary to allergic rhinitis. My c&p is being conducted by VES. Are they any good?? Secondly my examiner is relatively new he's been an examiner for just under a year. Any thing I should be look out for besides his inexperience.

[ronthemasterbarber]

It’s like you read my mind this morning

[jossielrodz]

How long does takes for that money to go to the account after they reach a decision ?

[sweetd]

The va denied my ITF date because they didn't believe I was bothered with migraines a year before filing my claim. But my personal, buddy and IMP statements stated I've been bothered with them for years!!! But they did try to send me for another cup exam 4 months after getting approved for migraines... and here's the slap in the face, my vso pretty much told me I didn't deserve to be sc for migraines 😮

[johnp]

So i am 100 now but i still have one pending claim on docket awaiting to get to judges decision since 2022. Will i still get back pay for that if I get awarded? Thanks

[kevs]

Question about BDD, I filed my claim in june 1 2023 and got my decision once I got out the military at Nov. There started to pay starting in December. I thought they would backpay me since I filed my claim or once they received it? Apparently the VA can't backpay me since I was still in the military. Any advice or is true what there saying ?

[Damethtical]

I was rated for lumbosacral strain in Dec 2021 but entered the military with a waiver for a lumbar spine condition which got worse in active duty and has gotten worse since separation, especially as a reservist. Is that a supplemental claim or CUE?

[jasoncocca]

Thank you! I did my original intent to file on April 22nd 2022, and finished submitting my claim on April 13th 2023 (long story short—military lost my medical record. Much legwork was needed). VA is claiming the effective date is the April 2023 date. Wouldn’t it need to be backdated to my intent to file (2022) since I finished submitting my claim just before the year cut-off? Should I appeal?