The amount of entitled back pay or retroactive benefits is determined by the so-called effective date, which is the later of two dates: 1) the date of the filing of the claim, or 2) the date when the disability manifests or increases. For most claims, the date of the claim determines the effective date.

Therefore, VA is not required to pay the amount of the benefit to the estate of the deceased surviving spouse. 3. When a veteran dies, VA terminates as of the first day of the month of the veteran’s death any compensation or pension the veteran may have been receiving.

If you’re the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a Veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness, you may be able to get a tax-free monetary benefit called VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC).

Retroactive payments can also be an important issue when a veteran dies with a VA claim pending. If an award results, the survivor will receive a retroactive payment of the benefits that the deceased claimant would have received, in addition to any survivor benefits (DIC, burial allowance, etc.)

The program provides lifetime benefits ranging from about $1,280 a month to $2,940 a month to eligible surviving spouses, depending on the deceased veteran’s pay grade. Additional payments are available for dependent children. Some parents of deceased veterans also may get benefits if their income is low.

Ben will receive VA Disability Back Pay for the entire 18 months between his date of separation and the VA’s rating decision.

If your decision notice shows at least a 10% disability rating, you’ll get your first payment within 15 days. We’ll pay you either by direct deposit or check. If you don’t get a payment after 15 days, please call the Veterans help line at 800-827-1000, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

You can check the status of your VA claim, appeal, or decision review on VA.gov. You’ll need to sign in first with DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or ID.me. If you don’t have any of these accounts, you can get one now. If you need help, please call us at 800-827-1000.

TDIU and PTSD: Increasing a 70% PTSD Rating to 100% Another option to secure an increased rating is by filing for TDIU, or total disability based on individual unemployability. If a veteran can prove that their PTSD prevents them from working, they may qualify for TDIU.

What are the 17 Symptoms of PTSD?

• Intrusive Thoughts. Intrusive thoughts are perhaps the best-known symptom of PTSD.
• Nightmares.
• Avoiding Reminders of the Event.
• Memory Loss.
• Negative Thoughts About Self and the World.
• Self-Isolation; Feeling Distant.
• Anger and Irritability.
• Reduced Interest in Favorite Activities.

Per VA’s rating criteria, a 70% PTSD rating reflects that you display impairment in most areas such as, work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood. 70% PTSD rating lists several symptoms that affect occupational and social function.