Back Pay?

[Astro-T]

I'm retired AF and had a 40% disability rating. In Feb 2019 I filed for revaluation in a couple of areas. I was increased in Aug to 50% then 60% in Sept . I received my increased payments in Sept and Oct. My question is should I receive back pay to the date my claims were submitted? I called the 800 number for the VA and the gentleman I talked to was kind of clueless. He said he saw no indication that I was due any back pay but that I could file an appeal? Also if I am due back pay how long does that usually take? Thanks for any help and thanks to everyone here for their service! Have a Happy Holiday!!

[1stindoor]

Yes, you should get back paid from the date of the claim. Backpayments usually take a month or two because they typically audit the account.

[Astro-T]

Ok thanks! I thought so but wasn't sure

[blwest]

Back pay should go back to the application date for the increase.

For example:
If you apply and it takes the board 3 months to make the decision, on the first payout month there will be 4 months of compensation.

I'm afraid to ask for re-evaluation and lose what I already have. It was a chore even getting into the system.

[1stindoor]

blwest; if you don't mind me asking....what made it difficult to get "into the system?"

[blwest]

blwest; if you don't mind me asking....what made it difficult to get "into the system?"

I tried "on my own" for 6 years to get a rating. Followed all instructions from the VA, multiple visits with folks at the local VA hospital, I was always polite.

Also tried various agencies (VSO) that supposedly can help you. They weren't much help.

Then I went the bureaucratic route. I reached out to a Colonel, now General who was my mentor during active duty. I had a meeting within a day, evaluation appointments within a week and a half and a rating within 45 days.

Nothing changed. Same paperwork, full medical records, just ended up getting the right person rattling the correct person's cage in the system.

[Sabre Fan]

I highly recommend using an accredited VSO for anything claim related. VSO's are free. I used a VSO for my initial claim and my increase two years later and I didn't have any issues with claims or back pay. Not all VSO's are created equal, and not all VA claims offices are created equal either

I consider myself lucky, as I have had no issues with VA health care during the last 7 years. My first claim when I retired from the Army was missing some injuries that my VSO and the VA missed (feet, back and shoulder), and they were all properly documented. So I filed my re-evaluation with a different VSO 2 years later and got my increase.

[Astro-T]

I was already paid 1 Sep for the increase to 50% and paid on 1 Nov for the increase to 60% but there was no back pay. Thats why I was asking. I used a VSO at first but the VA kept giving us the runaround so I used a VA accredited lawyer instead and it worked out great! It has made a huge difference and I had to do almost nothing. Depending on what your rating is for and how long you have had it can make a big difference in whether there is a chance they can reduce it or not. I had a a 0% service connected rating that was changed to 10% and received another 10% for a new claim. Actually pretty surprised at how smooth and quickly it went!!

[blwest]

I was already paid 1 Sep for the increase to 50% and paid on 1 Nov for the increase to 60% but there was no back pay. Thats why I was asking. I used a VSO at first but the VA kept giving us the runaround so I used a VA accredited lawyer instead and it worked out great! It has made a huge difference and I had to do almost nothing. Depending on what your rating is for and how long you have had it can make a big difference in whether there is a chance they can reduce it or not. I had a a 0% service connected rating that was changed to 10% and received another 10% for a new claim. Actually pretty surprised at how smooth and quickly it went!!

Glad they were able to get you sorted out!

[1stindoor]

As already mentioned, not all VSOs are equal. Glad to hear it worked for you.