Appeal your effective date

See how VA sets effective dates, when an earlier effective date is possible, and how to calculate back pay.

Your decision

Work through your decision

Read what the VA decided, record the reasons and evidence listed, and keep your questions with your preparation.

Open a decision reading sheet Use the Letter Interpreter

Read the Rating Decision guide Find reference cases

  1. Effective dates How VA sets the effective date of a rating.
  2. Earlier Effective Dates How an EED claim works and when it applies.
  3. Calculate back pay Estimate retro pay from an effective-date change.
  4. Search BVA decisions Read how the Board has decided cases like yours.
  5. Letter Interpreter Paste a VA letter and see plain-English breakdown.
  6. Find a VSO rep Search accredited representatives by state or near you.

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