Retro Pay / Back Pay
VA Terminology Definition
Plain English Definition
The lump sum payment you receive for the period between your effective date and when the VA finally approves your claim.
Why This Matters
If your claim takes months or years to process, you receive back pay from your effective date. This is why Intent to File is so important - it protects your effective date while you prepare your claim.
Example
You filed an Intent to File on January 1, 2025. Your claim was approved December 1, 2025 at 70% ($1,716/month). You receive 11 months of back pay: approximately $18,876.