How is your VA Disability Entitlement Date established?

Not with a military retiree. That may pertain to a veteran that was out of the service for a while. They file a disability claim and the VA uses the date received. All the information that I read about retirees stated that the effective date is the day after your discharge. Thanks anyway!

1SG (Join to see) - Then my thought is that the Army didn't report your separation to the VA until after November. You can try to appeal it, BUT you will have a very difficult time, since it has been 10 years. Now, it is a question of "do you want to fight a 1-month difference?" I think you're owed a month, but will it be financially worth the fight?

Well, I am sure you know more about the process than I do. I cannot imagine the Army not reporting my discharge as being a reason, though. My DD 214 clearly shows 30 SEP 10 as separation date. I am not likely to fight for this. I got what I wanted, a "P&T" rating. I only asked in event that it was an easy fix. More or less, someone from the VA would look at it and say "Yep, we skipped a month in error". Thanks anyway!

1SG (Join to see) - I apologize that I couldn't be of more help. What they put on paper isn't the same as when they report it. I think that may have messed it up a little. You could always call the VA. The worst they can say is no.

Again, it was a "long shot". We use to say in the Army "The foolish question is the one not asked". I don't want to be a malcontent. I cannot complain now, considering I was awarded "P&T" in less than 7 years. Some veterans fight for decades to reach that point. Three grand is a good chunk of change! But, I won't lose any sleep over it. Overall, it was quite an eye-opening experience. I thought I was somewhat familiar with the VA's rules and criteria. I NEVER CONSIDERED that they would ignore their own policies, or just openly disregard the medical records submitted! In the end, the VA does whatever they want. I get the feeling they do not like to award 100% for retirees on the initial Compensation & Pension exam. They make you fight for it. I am NOT bitter! When I finally received the back pay (19 months from filing!), I made significant charity contributions to the VA Medical Centers that blotched my Comp & Pen Exam and downplayed my rating. My donations went for veterans in long term care and to support a satellite clinic for PTSD cases. Forgive me, I am rambling! Thanks for your time and input!

Thanks! That is what I expected, that entitlement date was the day after my retirement. I did submit a little early. As previously mentioned, the VA sent me a letter stating they would not do anything until I was discharged.