Effective dates can quietly make a big difference in your wallet. Retroactive ratings might even bring refunds. Like the funding fee refund for veterans whose exemption kicked in before their loan closed.
Some veterans have claims that stretch back years (often due to appeals), but locking in an Intent to File date can really help. One veteran eventually won his case and received retroactive pay because his effective date was set right from the start. Which was years earlier, at a 70% rating. You do the math.
Why the Effective Date Matters
Determines Back Pay. You are paid retroactively from your effective date to the date your claim was finalized.
Not the Payment Date: It marks when your benefits start accruing, but you do not actually receive the money until the claim is officially granted.