VA Disability Back Pay Calculator
Estimate how much the VA owes you in back pay from your effective date. Already know your monthly rate? Use the Payment Calculator to see your ongoing monthly payment.
2026 rates · Effective Dec 1, 2025 · 2.8% COLA
Your Details
The date the VA assigned as your effective date.
Dependents
Dependent additions only apply at 30%+ ratings.
Good to Know
What is back pay?
VA disability compensation is retroactive to your effective date. If your claim takes months to process, you receive a lump sum for the entire period.
When does it arrive?
Back pay is usually deposited within 15 days of your rating decision, separate from your first monthly payment.
Effective date matters
Filing an Intent to File (ITF) protects your effective date for up to 1 year. Track your ITF deadline.
Tax-free
VA disability back pay, like monthly compensation, is completely tax-free at both federal and state levels.