VA Effective Date Calculator
Your effective date determines when your VA disability benefits begin—and how much back pay you receive. Use this calculator to understand which date should apply to your claim.
- Calculate effective dates for original claims, increased ratings, secondary conditions, and appeals
- Understand how Intent to File (ITF) protects your effective date
- See step-by-step reasoning with 38 CFR citations
- Identify potential VA errors in your assigned effective date
Calculate Your Effective Date
Answer a few questions about your claim to see what effective date should apply. Results include step-by-step reasoning and CFR citations.
Complete the form to see your effective date
Important Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an effective date?
The effective date is when your VA disability benefits begin. Back pay is calculated from this date to when your claim is approved. Per 38 CFR 3.400, it's generally the later of: (1) the date VA received your claim, or (2) the date entitlement arose (when evidence shows your condition exists).
How does an Intent to File (ITF) protect my effective date?
An Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) locks in your effective date while you gather evidence. If you file an ITF on January 1 and submit your full claim on June 1, your effective date can be January 1. You have 365 days to complete your claim after filing an ITF.
Why is filing within one year of discharge important?
If you file within one year of discharge, your effective date can be the day after you separated from service—even if it takes months to gather evidence. Miss this window and your effective date will be the date VA receives your claim, potentially losing months or years of back pay.
Do secondary conditions have the same effective date as my primary condition?
No. Per Ellington v. Peake (2008), secondary conditions have their own effective date based on when you file the secondary claim—not when your primary condition was service-connected. File an ITF for secondary conditions to protect the earliest possible date.
What is the 1-year lookback rule for increased ratings?
For increased rating claims, 38 CFR 3.400(o)(2) allows an effective date up to one year before your claim IF you have evidence proving your condition worsened during that window. Medical records, lay statements, or work impact documentation from that period is crucial.
When do VA payments actually start?
VA does not pay for the month of your effective date. Payments begin the first of the following month. For example, if your effective date is October 15, your first compensable month is November 1. Payments are also made in arrears—you receive November's payment at the end of November.
How do I challenge a wrong effective date?
If the VA assigned an incorrect effective date, you can file a Higher-Level Review within one year of the decision. Common errors include using your C&P exam date instead of your claim date. If more than a year has passed, you may need to file a Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE) motion.
Does this calculator provide legal advice?
No. This calculator provides educational estimates based on 38 CFR 3.400 rules. It cannot account for every scenario or exception. For personalized guidance, consult an accredited VA claims agent, VSO representative, or VA-accredited attorney.