Free educational tool · 2026 rates
VA back-pay scenario calculator
Compare two disability ratings using VA’s rates effective December 1, 2025. This is a rough planning estimate—not an entitlement decision or payment promise.
Monthly difference
$675.55
Illustrative total
$8,106.60
Rate comparison
$1,132.90 → $1,808.45
Uses one current 2026 monthly rate for every selected month. It does not calculate historical COLA changes or establish an effective date.
Why actual back pay can differ
- • Historical cost-of-living rates must be applied month by month.
- • The legal effective date and first payable date may differ.
- • Dependency changes, SMC, staged ratings, offsets, withholding, and prior payments can change the amount.
- • VA combined ratings are not calculated by ordinary addition.
Educational estimate only. ClaimScope is independent of VA and does not guarantee a rating, effective date, award, or payment amount. Rates checked October 8, 2026.