★Public Tool
Effective Date Estimator
Walk through 38 CFR 3.400 step by step to estimate the date your benefits should be paid from.
Rule for Original / new claim
Effective date = later of (a) date entitlement arose or (b) date claim received. Exception: if filed within 1 year of separation, effective date = day after separation.
General education only. Effective dates can be affected by staged ratings, intervening exams, hospitalization (38 CFR 3.157), and other factors not modeled here. Use this with the Backpay Estimator and confirm with an accredited representative before relying on the result.
Last updated: May 12, 2026