r/VeteransBenefits

I started my claim on Aug 2024, I got my decision letter on April 2025(everything was denied) I made a suplemental claim on January 2026 before the one year protections disappears. I only got back pay to January 18. Should I be getting pay as far as August 2024?

No, you should not be receiving back pay to August 2024 based on the facts you provided. Your effective date for the supplemental claim filed in January 2026 is likely January 18, 2026, because a supplemental claim generally resets the effective date to the date of that new claim, not the original filing, unless you can prove the VA made a clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the prior denial. Under 38 CFR 3.2500, a supplemental claim requires new and relevant evidence and establishes an effective date no earlier than the date of receipt of that claim, which aligns with the back pay you received. To potentially secure the earlier August 2024 date, you must establish that the evidence you submitted in January 2026 relates back to the original claim by showing continuous pursuit of the claim under 38 CFR 3.156(b) (pertaining to new service department records) or 3.156(c) (pertaining to relevant service records that existed but were not associated with the claims file at the time of the prior decision). Alternatively, you could argue CUE in the April 2025 denial under 38 CFR 3.105(a), but this is a very high legal standard requiring an undebatable error. Your actionable next step is to immediately file a Higher-Level Review (within one year of the supplemental claim decision) and specifically argue for an earlier effective date under 3.156, if applicable, by submitting a statement identifying the specific evidence that should relate back and citing the relevant regulation; concurrently, gather all correspondence and medical records from the original claim period to support continuity. *This is educational information regarding VA policy and procedure, not legal or medical advice; for personal legal guidance, consult an accredited VA attorney or claims agent.*

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What would this rating pay you? (2026 rates)

Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.

per month ·  per year, tax-free

Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.

2026 base rates, all ratings (veteran alone)
RatingMonthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA)
10%$180.42
20%$356.66
30%$552.47
40%$795.84
50%$1,132.90
60%$1,435.02
70%$1,808.45
80%$2,102.15
90%$2,362.30
100%$3,938.58
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Disclaimer: VetAid is not a law firm, medical practice, or Veterans Service Organization. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or professional advice. Consult with a qualified VA-accredited attorney or your VSO representative. Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (press 1).