When your rating increases, you're owed back pay from the effective date.
Calculate your estimated lump sum retroactive payment.
When your rating increases, VA owes you the difference going back to the effective date.
Understand how the effective date and decision date determine your payment amount.
Estimate your back pay to plan for debt payoff, investments, or major purchases.
Enter your rating change details and family information
Your combined rating before the increase
Your new, higher combined rating
The date VA assigned for the rating increase (usually your claim filing date)
The date VA approved the increase (on your decision letter)
The effective date is typically the date you filed your claim or the date your condition worsened. The decision date is when VA issued its rating decision. You're owed back pay for the months between these two dates.
Include dependents for a more accurate calculation. Dependent pay applies at 30% or higher.
Children under age 18, or under 23 if in school
Children over 18 who became disabled before age 18
Parents who are financially dependent on you
VA back pay (also called retroactive compensation or retro pay) is the lump sum payment you receive when your disability rating increases. The VA pays you the difference between your old and new monthly rates for every month between the effective date and the decision date.
VA compensation rates change annually based on Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA). This calculator uses current 2026 rates (effective December 1, 2025) for the entire back pay period as a simplification. If your effective date spans multiple calendar years, the actual back pay may differ slightly because the VA applies the rates that were in effect for each period.
For most veterans, this difference is minimal. If your back pay period spans multiple years, contact a VSO for a more precise calculation using historical rates.
This calculator provides an estimate only using current 2026 VA compensation rates. Actual back pay amounts may differ based on COLA adjustments, withholdings, or other factors. Always verify with the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or consult with a Veterans Service Officer.