Thank you for submitting a question in the StatesideLegal Q&A Mailbag with TVC!  
 

Typically, the effective date for the award of an original claim is the date the VA received the claim or the date your disability happened, whichever occurred later. The effective date for a rating increase is the earliest date that disability started to get worse, assuming the claim is received by the VA within a year of that date. 
 

While you can't receive a rating of more than 100 percent, the combination of your disabilities may entitle you to additional benefits (e.g., special monthly compensation or adaptive housing) if you fall under specific guidelines. 
 

However, without knowing your specific combined disability picture, it is recommended that you contact your local Veteran Service Organization (VSO) to review your rating assignments. In addition to looking at your ratings, your VSO can also review the history of your claims to see if the VA owes you any back pay. There is a VSO referral link to help you find one near you. 
 

If you have a final decision from the Board of Veteran’s Appeals, you can see more information about the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program (TVC) and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). 
 

The Veterans Consortium helps veterans who have received a final decision from the Board of Veterans Appeals on their VA Benefits claim and wish to appeal that decision to the CAVC.
 

Thank you so much for contacting us.  We wish you the best!
 

Sincerely,

The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program