Does the VA issue back pay if they increase my disability?

Cpl Jason Bainbridge — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 14:34:42 -0500

I filed for an increase to my VA rating of 30%. If I am increased to say 50%, will they owe me the difference of $587 in monthly back pay, or will it be at the flat 20% rate of $263?

Second question, if I filed for an increase within a year of my claim for which I am filing an increase, does the effective date go back to the original effective date, or will it be a new effective date?

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Feb 24 at 2016 4:25 PM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 16:25:42 -0500

Yes you will get a check for your back pay. Plus another check since the VA was still drawing from your pension.

Response by TSgt Renona Crowden made Feb 24 at 2016 7:14 PM

TSgt Renona Crowden — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 19:14:47 -0500

They will pay from the date of the increase. The date the increase was awarded, which is shown on your decision letter or on eBenefits.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 24 at 2016 7:55 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 19:55:58 -0500

A lot of yes/maybe because you don't have the necessary information. If is is an increase to something you are already getting money for, but have deteriorated, is one question. If it is due to improper evaluation/grading (appeal?), another question. If it is new but documents show it is service connected, that will be from the date you claimed it. So the actual circumstance and policy attached to it will determine the timing issue.

Response by Cpl Jason Bainbridge made Feb 25 at 2016 8:22 AM

Cpl Jason Bainbridge — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 08:22:20 -0500

I was also informed that they will not go back one year anymore for FDC's. I guess that program ended on August 5th.

Response by SPC Laventrence Underwood made Sep 24 at 2016 10:17 PM

SPC Laventrence Underwood — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 22:17:06 -0400

my husband filed for a increase the va made a error on his claim but he just filed for a increase will they go back to the date that he first filed

Response by CPL Leon Williams made Aug 4 at 2017 3:20 PM

CPL Leon Williams — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 15:20:03 -0400

I received a letter stating that my NOD was granted for a claim filed in 2011 the effective date is July 2017 will they pay me back to the original claim date since the granted NOD was in reference to the claim in 2011

Response by SSgt Sarah Price made Aug 14 at 2017 5:34 PM

SSgt Sarah Price — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 17:34:23 -0400

Back pay is only issued back to the date the original claim was filed as long as all the appeals were within one year of a decision. If you go over that year any appeal, NOD or Form-9 will start the clock as a new claim. If the VA increases your ratings without you asking, there will be no backpay. Your intent to file date is used as a backpay staging point for any Fully developed claims filed online.

Response by Tony Self made Apr 29 at 2018 10:40 PM

Tony Self — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 22:40:18 -0400

Understand that regardless of what timeframe everything occurred, the the effective date VA states it is, trumps everything else. Prime example is that I was originally awarded 10% for my back in December 2011. I was re-evaluated February 2018 and awarded 60% for my back with an effective date of December 2011, which was when more original claim was submitted.

Response by SP5 Larry Britt made Jun 23 at 2018 12:03 PM

SP5 Larry Britt — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 12:03:14 -0400

I was awarded on June 21 2013 disability rating of 30% for depression and panic disorder I appealed in may 2018 they increased me to 50% effective date June 21 2013 would I get back pay back to June 2013

Response by PO1 David Mallory made Jun 28 at 2018 7:42 PM

PO1 David Mallory — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 19:42:55 -0400

I filed for a disability for agent orange exposure in 1989 and was denied. It now looks as though the blue water sailors will finally get recognised as exposed to agent orange. I have type two diabetes and heart disease . Will I be entitled to any back pay?

Response by SGT Walter Kujawski made May 9 at 2019 10:18 AM

SGT Walter Kujawski — Thu, 09 May 2019 10:18:34 -0400

Only from the time that you filed for your increase will they pay you back pay