VA Back Pay Calculator
Get a rough estimate of the past-due benefits (back pay) from a new or increased VA rating. It's an estimate only, and VA calculates the actual amount.
1. Dates
The effective date is usually the date VA received your claim or Intent to File, or the date your condition got worse if that's later. It's listed in your decision letter.
2. Ratings
3. Dependents
Estimate only, using 2026 rates. Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you enter is sent or stored.
How the estimate works
- Start month. VA generally pays starting the first day of the month after the effective date (38 CFR § 3.31). An effective date of March 15 means payments start April 1.
- Months counted. The tool counts full months from the start month through the month before your decision date. The decision month is usually paid as your first regular monthly payment.
- Monthly difference. New monthly rate minus prior monthly rate, using VA's 2026 tables and the dependents you enter. Dependents count only at 30% and above.
- Total. Monthly difference × months.
Example
A veteran with no dependents goes from 30% to 70%, with an effective date of March 15, 2025, and a decision on October 1, 2026. Payments start April 1, 2025, and the tool counts 18 months (April 2025 through September 2026). The 2026 monthly difference is $1,255.98 ($1,808.45 − $552.47), for an estimate of about $22,607.64. VA's actual figure would be somewhat lower, because the months before December 2025 were paid at 2025 rates.
About fees
There's no fee for our review. VA rules don't allow fees for help with a claim before VA's first decision on it. For reviews and appeals, our fee is 20% of past-due benefits, and you only pay if we win. VA usually pays an approved fee directly from the past-due amount. See fees.
To learn how effective dates, Intent to File, and the one-year rules shape your back pay, read How VA back pay works. To estimate your combined rating first, use our VA rating calculator.
An earlier effective date can mean months of additional back pay. We'll review your decision letter for free.
Sources
VA: 2026 compensation rates · 38 CFR 3.31 Commencement of the period of payment · 38 CFR 3.400 Effective dates · VA: Past-due rates for previous years
General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed October 21, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is this back pay estimate exact?
No. It uses 2026 rates for every month and ignores offsets, staged ratings, and other adjustments. VA calculates the actual amount, and it's listed in your award letter.
When does VA back pay start?
Generally the first day of the month after your effective date. Your effective date is often the date VA received your claim or Intent to File.
Is my information sent anywhere?
No. The calculator runs entirely in your browser and doesn't send or store anything.
Find out if you may be eligible for more.
The review is free, takes about 10 minutes, and comes with no obligation. Have your DD-214 and any VA decision letters handy.