PRACTICAL TOOLS
VA Retro Pay Calculator
Check the math on a decision you already received. This calculator totals published monthly compensation rates across completed months using the assigned rating and dates from the decision. It does not predict an award or the amount VA owes.
Your Calculation
Enter the assigned numbers or notice dates, then select Calculate. The result will appear here.
Worked Example Across A COLA Change
At an assigned 30% rating with no dependents, effective October 15, 2025, and an end date in February 2026, this convention includes November, December and January.
| Month | Rate Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-11 | 2025 | $537.42 |
| 2025-12 | 2026 | $552.47 |
| 2026-01 | 2026 | $552.47 |
The gross scheduled total is $1,642.36. Any amount already paid for these months must still be reconciled.
How This Is Calculated
38 CFR 3.31 generally starts payment on the first day of the calendar month after the effective date. Its specific exceptions include COLA changes, so the December rate adjustment applies to December. This tool selects the historical table in effect for each included benefit month and sums integer cents.
The entered end date is a checking boundary, not a finding that VA owes every preceding month. This calculator excludes its entire month and includes only completed months within the verified data. The rating and household stay constant; split an award into separate periods if the decision changes either.
Military retired pay coordination, separation-pay recoupment, other withholdings, dependency effective dates, special monthly compensation, and amounts already received can change the actual payment. A table total is not an award prediction.
Related Guides
Explore This Reference Collection
Browse 23 Tables And Worked References
- 2016 VA Disability Compensation Rates
- 2017 VA Disability Compensation Rates
- 2018 VA Disability Compensation Rates
- 2019 VA Disability Compensation Rates
- 2020 VA Disability Compensation Rates
- 2021 VA Disability Compensation Rates
- 2022 VA Disability Compensation Rates
- 2023 VA Disability Compensation Rates
- 2024 VA Disability Compensation Rates
- 2025 VA Disability Compensation Rates
- 2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates
- 10% VA Disability Pay History
- 20% VA Disability Pay History
- 30% VA Disability Pay History
- 40% VA Disability Pay History
- 50% VA Disability Pay History
- 60% VA Disability Pay History
- 70% VA Disability Pay History
- 80% VA Disability Pay History
- 90% VA Disability Pay History
- 100% VA Disability Pay History
- VA Disability COLA History: 2016 To 2026
- VA Disability Rate Tables And Pay History
Read The Explainers
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is The Effective-Date Month Missing?
The ordinary payment-start rule in 38 CFR 3.31 begins on the first day of the next calendar month. Exceptions exist; this calculator handles ordinary disability compensation and the annual COLA table change, not every special award rule.
Does The Total Subtract Previous Payments?
No. It is the gross scheduled table amount for the selected months. Subtract and reconcile actual prior payments, withholdings and offsets against the VA decision and payment history.
Can I Calculate Future Months?
No. The calculator stops at completed months covered by verified rate data. It does not forecast a future award, COLA, or payment date.
Official Sources
Last verified 2026-10-25. Source publication or legal effective dates are shown separately where available.
Check The Source. Get Accredited Help.
Use this resource to understand published information. VA and the official decision control individual benefits.