Disability Claim Payback Period: Comprehending VA disability compensation necessitates an understanding of the effective date, which establishes the beginning of benefits for veterans. Depending on the type of benefit and the details of the claim, this deadline varies. This is an explanation of how the VA determines effective dates and what it means for veterans who are applying for disability benefits.
The VA determines the effective dates under each circumstance. The date of your initial illness or injury or the day the VA receives your claim are the effective dates for disabilities that are directly related to your military service. The effective date can be the day following your separation if you file within a year of ending your active duty.
Take Shaun, a veteran who retired from active duty on September 30, 2013, because of a hearing impairment. More than a year later, on November 15, 2014, he submitted his claim. On November 15, 2014, the day the VA received his claim, he went into effect. However, another veteran named Ric left the army on the same day and filed his claim on July 5, 2014, a year later. The day following his separation, October 1, 2013, was his effective date.
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If you submit within a year of separation, the effective date for presumptive service connections—where the VA assumes the condition is related to military service—is the date the illness or injury initially manifested. It’s important to understand these dates since they affect when benefits become available to you.
Disability Claim Payback Period: VA disability back pay
The amount owed to veterans from the time their claim was filed until benefits were awarded is referred to as back pay. In general, if the VA approves your claim, you will owe more back pay the longer it takes them to make a decision.
Two myths that are frequently held are that the VA will reimburse expenses up to the date of the injury or release. This is untrue. It only takes into account the date the VA received the claim or the entitlement arose. Provided the claim is submitted within a year of leaving service, benefits are only awarded retroactively to the date of separation.
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The disability rating and the effective date determine how much back pay is due. More back compensation is the outcome of higher ratings. Back pay is computed by the VA using historical compensation rate data, which is adjusted for the Social Security Administration’s Cost of Living Adjustment. Though there may be delays, back pay is paid in one lump sum within 15 days of the ruling.
If you want to increase your chances of having your VA claim accepted, think about hiring an advocate who knows what evidence is required and how to best present it. You can fill out their contact form or call 855-855-8992 to get in touch with the Veterans Help Group for assistance.
