Effective Dates and Back Pay

For many disability claims, the effective date is the later of when the VA received the claim or when entitlement arose, such as the date of diagnosis. In some situations, such as claims filed shortly after leaving service, different rules may apply. Because the date of receipt often controls, delays in filing can mean lost benefits. Survivors' claims have their own effective date rules, which may allow payment back to the date of death when filed within a certain period. Understanding which rule applies helps families decide how quickly to act.

An intent to file lets a veteran or survivor notify the VA that a claim is coming. If the full claim is submitted within the allowed time afterward, the VA can use the intent to file date as the effective date. This is valuable when records, a nexus letter or other evidence will take time to gather. The intent can be submitted online, by phone, by mail or through a service officer. Keep proof that it was received, and mark the deadline for filing the complete claim on your calendar.

When a claim is approved, the decision letter lists the effective date and the amount of any retroactive payment. Review it carefully rather than just the monthly amount. If the date seems wrong, for example if an earlier intent to file was not used or a document you sent was overlooked, you can request a review. Keep all submission receipts, fax confirmations and online confirmation messages, because they are the best evidence of when the VA received your documents. A service officer can also check VA systems to confirm which dates the VA has on record for your claim.

1. 1

   Submit an intent to file as soon as you decide to pursue a VA claim.

2. 2

   Mark the deadline to complete the full claim after the intent to file.

3. 3

   Keep receipts and confirmation messages for every document sent to the VA.

4. 4

   Review the effective date on your decision letter and question it if it looks wrong.