VA Back Pay Explained: The Details That Matter

VA back pay can result in a significant lump-sum award, but the way VA calculates it is often more complex than veterans realize. In this video, CCK Law walks through key factors that influence back pay, including effective dates, appeals, and rating changes, and explains why reviewing your decision carefully matters. If you have an active VA claim or appeal, this overview can help you better understand how retroactive benefits are determined. A segment from our Veterans Legal Lowdown Podcast!

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Who We Are: Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick is the nation's leading veterans law firm. Since 1999, CCK Law has grown to include more VA-accredited advocates and attorneys than any other firm and represent nearly 30,000 veterans or their dependents before Veterans Affairs or the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. CCK Law attorneys have argued many of the most precedent-setting cases in veterans law, playing an indispensable role in clarifying the benefits of millions of veterans. As of 2025, the firm has published over 2,500 pages and 800 videos of free legal resources for veterans and their dependents.

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0:00 Introduction to VA Backpay
0:55 Cost-of-Living Adjustments and Historical Rates
1:46 Using the CCK Backpay Calculator
2:26 The Importance of Effective Dates and Intent to File
4:03 Understanding Continuous Pursuit in Appeals
6:16 How Staged Ratings Affect Your Payment
7:33 Why You Should Verify Your Decision Letter