Effective Date · 38 CFR 3.400
Effective Date Tool
Your effective date determines when VA pay starts — and how much back pay you receive. Find yours and learn how to push it earlier.
How effective dates work
For most claims, your effective date is the date you filed. But several rules can push it earlier:
- Intent to File (ITF): Locks in your effective date for up to 1 year while you gather evidence.
- Liberalizing law: New laws (like PACT Act) can make your effective date retroactive to the law's effective date.
- CUE (Clear and Unmistakable Error): Successful CUE claims go back to the original filing.
- One-year rule: For increases, medical evidence dated up to 1 year before filing can push the date earlier.