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FAQ
Does VA back pay include interest?
No. VA disability back pay is not interest-bearing — you receive the sum of the monthly amounts you were owed, not an interest-adjusted total.
Why does this use a different rate for older months?
VA compensation rates change every December 1st with a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). A back-pay period spanning more than about 14 months usually crosses at least one rate change — this calculator applies the historically correct rate for each month rather than a flat current-year rate, which would overstate or understate older months.
What if I had a rating change during the back-pay period?
Use "Add a rating-change period" to enter each period at its own rating and start date — the calculator sums each period separately at the applicable rate.
Transparency & Methodology
Independent, source-checked figures
Every dollar figure traces to VA.gov's published compensation rate tables (last verified 2026-08-24) or 38 CFR §4.25. No AI-estimated numbers.
Not legal or financial advice
This tool estimates VA disability ratings and pay for planning purposes only. For your official rating or a claim decision, consult an accredited Veterans Service Organization or a VA-accredited attorney/claims agent.
Published by an identifiable operator
Run by Gesmine-Invest Limited (UK company 14120136) — see About for full sourcing methodology and data gaps we disclose rather than paper over.