38 USC PART IV, CHAPTER 51, SUBCHAPTER II: EFFECTIVE DATES

From Title 38—VETERANS' BENEFITSPART IV—GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONSCHAPTER 51—CLAIMS, EFFECTIVE DATES, AND PAYMENTS

SUBCHAPTER II—EFFECTIVE DATES

§5110. Effective dates of awards

(a)(1) Unless specifically provided otherwise in this chapter, the effective date of an award based on an initial claim, or a supplemental claim, of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, or pension, shall be fixed in accordance with the facts found, but shall not be earlier than the date of receipt of application therefor.

(2) For purposes of determining the effective date of an award under this section, the date of application shall be considered the date of the filing of the initial application for a benefit if the claim is continuously pursued by filing any of the following, either alone or in succession:

(A) A request for higher-level review under section 5104B of this title on or before the date that is one year after the date on which the agency of original jurisdiction issues a decision.

(B) A supplemental claim under section 5108 of this title on or before the date that is one year after the date on which the agency of original jurisdiction issues a decision.

(C) A notice of disagreement on or before the date that is one year after the date on which the agency of original jurisdiction issues a decision.

(D) A supplemental claim under section 5108 of this title on or before the date that is one year after the date on which the Board of Veterans' Appeals issues a decision.

(E) A supplemental claim under section 5108 of this title on or before the date that is one year after the date on which the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims issues a decision.

(3) Except as otherwise provided in this section, for supplemental claims received more than one year after the date on which the agency of original jurisdiction issued a decision or the Board of Veterans' Appeals issued a decision, the effective date shall be fixed in accordance with the facts found, but shall not be earlier than the date of receipt of the supplemental claim.

(b)(1) The effective date of an award of disability compensation to a veteran shall be the day following the date of the veteran's discharge or release if application therefor is received within one year from such date of discharge or release.

(2)(A) The effective date of an award of disability compensation to a veteran who submits an application therefor that sets forth an original claim that is fully-developed (as determined by the Secretary) as of the date of submittal shall be fixed in accordance with the facts found, but shall not be earlier than the date that is one year before the date of receipt of the application.

(B) For purposes of this paragraph, an original claim is an initial claim filed by a veteran for disability compensation.

(C) This paragraph shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 and shall not apply with respect to claims filed after the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of such Act.

(3) The effective date of an award of increased compensation shall be the earliest date as of which it is ascertainable that an increase in disability had occurred, if application is received within one year from such date.

(4)(A) The effective date of an award of disability pension to a veteran described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph shall be the date of application or the date on which the veteran became permanently and totally disabled, if the veteran applies for a retroactive award within one year from such date, whichever is to the advantage of the veteran.

(B) A veteran referred to in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph is a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled and who is prevented by a disability from applying for disability pension for a period of at least 30 days beginning on the date on which the veteran became permanently and totally disabled.

(c) The effective date of an award of disability compensation by reason of section 1151 of this title shall be the date such injury or aggravation was suffered if an application therefor is received within one year from such date.

(d) The effective date of an award of death compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, or death pension for which application is received within one year from the date of death shall be the first day of the month in which the death occurred.

(e)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the effective date of an award of dependency and indemnity compensation to a child shall be the first day of the month in which the child's entitlement arose if application therefor is received within one year from such date.

(2) In the case of a child who is eighteen years of age or over and who immediately before becoming eighteen years of age was counted under section 1311(b) of this title in determining the amount of the dependency and indemnity compensation of a surviving spouse, the effective date of an award of dependency and indemnity compensation to such child shall be the date the child attains the age of eighteen years if application therefor is received within one year from such date.

(f) An award of additional compensation on account of dependents based on the establishment of a disability rating in the percentage evaluation specified by law for the purpose shall be payable from the effective date of such rating; but only if proof of dependents is received within one year from the date of notification of such rating action.

(g) Subject to the provisions of section 5101 of this title, where compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, or pension is awarded or increased pursuant to any Act or administrative issue, the effective date of such award or increase shall be fixed in accordance with the facts found but shall not be earlier than the effective date of the Act or administrative issue. In no event shall such award or increase be retroactive for more than one year from the date of application therefor or the date of administrative determination of entitlement, whichever is earlier.

(h) Where an award of pension has been deferred or pension has been awarded at a rate based on anticipated income for a year and the claimant later establishes that income for that year was at a rate warranting entitlement or increased entitlement, the effective date of such entitlement or increase shall be fixed in accordance with the facts found if satisfactory evidence is received before the expiration of the next calendar year.

(i) Whenever any disallowed claim is readjudicated and thereafter allowed on the basis of new and relevant evidence resulting from the correction of the military records of the proper service department under section 1552 of title 10, or the change, correction, or modification of a discharge or dismissal under section 1553 of title 10, or from other corrective action by competent authority, the effective date of commencement of the benefits so awarded shall be the date on which an application was filed for correction of the military record or for the change, modification, or correction of a discharge or dismissal, as the case may be, or the date such disallowed claim was filed, whichever date is the later, but in no event shall such award of benefits be retroactive for more than one year from the date of readjudication of such disallowed claim. This subsection shall not apply to any application or claim for Government life insurance benefits.

(j) Where a report or a finding of death of any person in the active military, naval, air, or space service has been made by the Secretary concerned, the effective date of an award of death compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, or death pension, as applicable, shall be the first day of the month fixed by that Secretary as the month of death in such report or finding, if application therefor is received within one year from the date such report or finding has been made; however, such benefits shall not be payable to any person for any period for which such person has received, or was entitled to receive, an allowance, allotment, or service pay of the deceased.

(k) The effective date of the award of benefits to a surviving spouse or of an award or increase of benefits based on recognition of a child, upon annulment of a marriage shall be the date the judicial decree of annulment becomes final if a claim therefor is filed within one year from the date the judicial decree of annulment becomes final; in all other cases the effective date shall be the date the claim is filed.

(l) The effective date of an award of benefits to a surviving spouse based upon a termination of a remarriage by death or divorce, or of an award or increase of benefits based on recognition of a child upon termination of the child's marriage by death or divorce, shall be the date of death or the date the judicial decree or divorce becomes final, if an application therefor is received within one year from such termination.

[(m) Repealed. Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(i)(8), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4688.]

(n) The effective date of the award of any benefit or any increase therein by reason of marriage or the birth or adoption of a child shall be the date of such event if proof of such event is received by the Secretary within one year from the date of the marriage, birth, or adoption.

(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1226, §3010; Pub. L. 87–674, §3, Sept. 19, 1962, 76 Stat. 558; Pub. L. 87–825, §1, Oct. 15, 1962, 76 Stat. 948; Pub. L. 91–376, §7, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 790; Pub. L. 91–584, §13, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1578; Pub. L. 93–177, §6(a), Dec. 6, 1973, 87 Stat. 696; Pub. L. 93–527, §9(b), Dec. 21, 1974, 88 Stat. 1705; Pub. L. 94–71, title I, §104, Aug. 5, 1975, 89 Stat. 396; Pub. L. 97–66, title II, §204(b), Oct. 17, 1981, 95 Stat. 1029; Pub. L. 98–160, title VII, §703(1), Nov. 21, 1983, 97 Stat. 1010; Pub. L. 98–223, title II, §213(3), Mar. 2, 1984, 98 Stat. 46; Pub. L. 98–369, div. B, title V, §2501(a), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1116; Pub. L. 99–576, title VII, §701(63), Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3296; renumbered §5110 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–83, §§4(a)(2)(A)(vi), (b)(4)(B), 5(c)(1), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 403, 405, 406; Pub. L. 103–446, title XII, §1201(i)(8), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4688; Pub. L. 108–454, title III, §305, Dec. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 3611; Pub. L. 112–154, title V, §506, Aug. 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 1193; Pub. L. 115–55, §2(l), Aug. 23, 2017, 131 Stat. 1110; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §926(a)(52), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3830.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(C), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 112–154, which was approved Aug. 6, 2012.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "air, or space service" for "or air service".

2017—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–55, §2(l)(1), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "Unless specifically provided otherwise in this chapter, the effective date of an award based on an original claim, a claim reopened after final adjudication, or a claim for increase, of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, or pension, shall be fixed in accordance with the facts found, but shall not be earlier than the date of receipt of application therefor."

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 115–55, §2(l)(2), substituted "readjudicated" for "reopened", "relevant" for "material", and "readjudication" for "reopening".

2012—Subsec. (b)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 112–154 added par. (2) and redesignated former pars. (2) and (3) as (3) and (4), respectively.

2004—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 108–454 struck out par. (1) designation after subsec. (d) designation, substituted "death compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, or death pension" for "death compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation", and struck out par.(2) which read as follows: "The effective date of an award of death pension for which application is received within 45 days from the date of death shall be the first day of the month in which the death occurred."

1994—Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 103–446 struck out subsec. (m) which read as follows: "The effective date of an award of benefits to a surviving spouse based upon termination of actions described in section 103(d)(3) of this title shall not be earlier than the date of receipt of application therefor filed after termination of such actions and after December 31, 1970."

1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 3010 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–83, §5(c)(1), substituted "1151" for "351".

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 102–83, §5(c)(1), substituted "1311(b)" for "411(b)".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted "5101" for "3001".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(b)(4)(B), substituted "that Secretary" for "the Secretary" after "month fixed by".

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(2)(A)(vi), substituted "Secretary" for "Veterans' Administration".

1986—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 99–576 substituted "the veteran's" for "his".

1984—Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 98–369, §2501(a)(1), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted "described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph" after "to a veteran", substituted "the veteran applies for a retroactive award" for "an application therefor is received", and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98–369, §2501(a)(2), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "dependency and indemnity compensation for which application is received" for ", dependency and indemnity compensation, or death pension, where application is received", and added par. (2).

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 98–223 substituted "section" for "subsection".

1983—Subsecs. (k) to (m). Pub. L. 98–160 substituted "surviving spouse" for "widow" wherever appearing.

1981—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 97–66 designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the" for "The", and added par. (2).

1975—Subsec. (b)(2), (3). Pub. L. 94–71 added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as (3).

1974—Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 93–527 inserted provisions relating to an award or increase of benefits based on recognition of a child upon termination of the child's marriage by death or divorce.

1973—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 93–177 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

1970—Subsecs. (l), (m). Pub. L. 91–376 added subsecs. (l) and (m).

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 91–584 added subsec. (n).

1962—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 87–825 inserted "based on an original claim, a claim reopened after final adjudication, or a claim for increase".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87–825 added subsec. (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 87–825 redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d) and substituted first day of month in which the death occurred, for the day after the day of death, as the effective date. Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 87–825 redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e), substituted "first day of the month" for "date", and struck out "the entitlement arose" after "from such date." Former subsec. (e) redesignated (j).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 87–825 added subsec. (f). A prior subsec. (f) added by Pub. L. 87–674 was redesignated (k) by Pub. L. 87–825.

Subsecs. (g) to (i). Pub. L. 87–825 added subsecs. (g) to (i).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 87–825 redesignated former subsec. (e) as (j), and substituted "first day of the month" for "day after the date", and "month of death" for "date of death".

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 87–825 redesignated former subsec. (f), added by Pub. L. 87–674, as (k).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–55 applicable to all claims for which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides notice of a decision under section 5104 of this title on or after the later of 540 days after Aug. 23, 2017, or 30 days after the date on which the Secretary submits to Congress a certification of certain capabilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out the new appeals system established by Pub. L. 115–55 and to address appeals of decisions on legacy claims, with provision for early applicability of the new appeals system to certain claims, see section 2(x) of Pub. L. 115–55, set out as a note under section 101 of this title, and bracketed note thereunder.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–369, div. B, title V, §2501(b), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1117, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a)(1) [amending this section] and the provisions of paragraph (2) of section 3010(d) [now 5110(d)] of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(2), shall take effect with respect to applications that are first received after September 30, 1984, for benefits under chapter 15 of title 38, United States Code."

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–66 effective Oct. 1, 1981, see section 701(a) of Pub. L. 97–66, set out as a note under section 1114 of this title.

Effective Date of 1975 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–71 effective Aug. 1, 1975, see section 301 of Pub. L. 94–71, set out as a note under section 1114 of this title.

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–527 effective Jan. 1, 1975, see section 10 of Pub. L. 93–527, set out as a note under section 1521 of this title.

Effective Date of 1973 Amendment

Pub. L. 93–177, §6(b), Dec. 6, 1973, 87 Stat. 696, provided that: "Subsection (a) of this section [amending this section] shall apply to applications filed after its effective date [Jan. 1, 1974], but in no event shall an award made thereunder be effective prior to such effective date."

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–376 effective Jan. 1, 1971, see section 9 of Pub. L. 91–376, set out as a note under section 1114 of this title.

Effective Date of 1962 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 87–825 effective first day of second calendar month which begins after Oct. 15, 1962, see section 7 of Pub. L. 87–825, set out as a note under section 110 of this title.

§5111. Commencement of period of payment

(a)(1) Notwithstanding section 5110 of this title or any other provision of law and except as provided in paragraph (2) and subsection (c), payment of monetary benefits based on an award or an increased award of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, or pension may not be made to an individual for any period before the first day of the calendar month following the month in which the award or increased award became effective as provided under section 5110 of this title or such other provision of law.

(2)(A) In the case of a veteran who is retired or separated from the active military, naval, air, or space service for a catastrophic disability or disabilities, payment of monetary benefits based on an award of compensation based on an original claim shall be made as of the date on which such award becomes effective as provided under section 5110 of this title or another applicable provision of law.

(B) For the purposes of this paragraph, the term "catastrophic disability", with respect to a veteran, means a permanent, severely disabling injury, disorder, or disease that compromises the ability of the veteran to carry out the activities of daily living to such a degree that the veteran requires personal or mechanical assistance to leave home or bed, or requires constant supervision to avoid physical harm to self or others.

(b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, during the period between the effective date of an award or increased award as provided under section 5110 of this title or other provision of law and the commencement of the period of payment based on such award as provided under subsection (a) of this section, an individual entitled to receive monetary benefits shall be deemed to be in receipt of such benefits for the purpose of all laws administered by the Secretary.

(2) If any person who is in receipt of retired or retirement pay would also be eligible to receive compensation or pension upon the filing of a waiver of such pay in accordance with section 5305 of this title, such waiver shall not become effective until the first day of the month following the month in which such waiver is filed, and nothing in this section shall prohibit the receipt of retired or retirement pay for any period before such effective date.

(c)(1) This section shall not apply to payments made pursuant to section 5310 of this title.

(2) In the case of a temporary increase in compensation for hospitalization or treatment where such hospitalization or treatment commences and terminates within the same calendar month, the period of payment shall commence on the first day of such month.

(d) For the purposes of this section, the term "award or increased award" means—

(1) an original award or award based on a supplemental claim; or

(2) an award that is increased because of an added dependent, increase in disability or disability rating, or reduction in income.

(Added Pub. L. 97–253, title IV, §401(a)(1), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 801, §3011; amended Pub. L. 98–223, title I, §113, Mar. 2, 1984, 98 Stat. 40; renumbered §5111 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 102–83, §4(a)(1), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 403; Pub. L. 111–275, title VI, §605(a), Oct. 13, 2010, 124 Stat. 2885; Pub. L. 112–154, title V, §507(b), Aug. 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 1194; Pub. L. 115–55, §2(m), Aug. 23, 2017, 131 Stat. 1110; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §926(a)(53), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3830.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "air, or space service" for "or air service".

2017—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 115–55 substituted "award or award based on a supplemental claim" for "or reopened award".

2012—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 112–154 substituted "not apply to payments made pursuant to section 5310 of this title" for "apply to payments made pursuant to section 5310 of this title only if the monthly amount of dependency and indemnity compensation or pension payable to the surviving spouse is greater than the amount of compensation or pension the veteran would have received, but for such veteran's death, for the month in which such veteran's death occurred".

2010—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–275 designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "in paragraph (2) and subsection (c)" for "in subsection (c) of this section", and added par. (2).

1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 3011 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted "5110" for "3010" in two places.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted "administered by the Secretary" for "administered by the Veterans' Administration".

Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted "5110" for "3010".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted "5305" for "3105".

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted "5310" for "3110".

1984—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–223 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–154, title V, §507(c), Aug. 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 1194, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 5310 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 6, 2012], and shall apply with respect to deaths that occur on or after that date."

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–275, title VI, §605(b), Oct. 13, 2010, 124 Stat. 2886, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 2011, and shall apply with respect to awards of compensation based on original claims that become effective on or after that date."

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–223 effective Oct. 1, 1983, see section 114 of Pub. L. 98–223, set out as a note under section 1112 of this title.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 97–253, title IV, §401(b), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 802, provided that: "Section 3011 [now 5111] of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply to awards and increased awards the effective dates of which are after September 30, 1982."

§5112. Effective dates of reductions and discontinuances

(a) Except as otherwise specified in this section, the effective date of reduction or discontinuance of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, or pension shall be fixed in accordance with the facts found.

(b) The effective date of a reduction or discontinuance of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, or pension—

(1) by reason of marriage or remarriage, or death of a payee shall be the last day of the month before such marriage, remarriage, or death occurs;

(2) by reason of marriage, annulment, divorce, or death of a dependent of a payee shall be the last day of the month in which such marriage, annulment, divorce, or death occurs;

(3) by reason of receipt of active service pay or retirement pay shall be the day before the date such pay began;

(4) by reason of—

(A) change in income shall (except as provided in section 5312 of this title) be the last day of the month in which the change occurred; and

(B) change in corpus of estate shall be the last day of the calendar year in which the change occurred;

(5) by reason of a change in disability or employability of a veteran in receipt of pension shall be the last day of the month in which discontinuance of the award is approved;

(6) by reason of change in law or administrative issue, change in interpretation of a law or administrative issue, or, for compensation purposes, a change in service-connected or employability status or change in physical condition shall be the last day of the month following sixty days from the date of notice to the payee of the reduction or discontinuance;

(7) by reason of the discontinuance of school attendance of a payee or a dependent of a payee shall be the last day of the month in which such discontinuance occurred;

(8) by reason of termination of a temporary increase in compensation for hospitalization or treatment shall be the last day of the month in which the hospital discharge or termination of treatment occurred, whichever is earlier;

(9) by reason of an erroneous award based on an act of commission or omission by the beneficiary, or with the beneficiary's knowledge, shall be the effective date of the award; and

(10) by reason of an erroneous award based solely on administrative error or error in judgment shall be the date of last payment.

(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1227, §3012; Pub. L. 87–825, §2, Oct. 15, 1962, 76 Stat. 949; Pub. L. 89–730, §3, Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1159; Pub. L. 90–275, §5, Mar. 28, 1968, 82 Stat. 68; Pub. L. 92–198, §3, Dec. 15, 1971, 85 Stat. 664; Pub. L. 94–433, title IV, §402, Sept. 30, 1976, 90 Stat. 1378; Pub. L. 95–588, title III, §303, Nov. 4, 1978, 92 Stat. 2506; Pub. L. 97–253, title IV, §402(a), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 802; Pub. L. 99–576, title V, §503, title VII, §701(64), Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3286, 3296; renumbered §5112 and amended Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), (d)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238, 239; Pub. L. 107–103, title II, §204(b)(2), Dec. 27, 2001, 115 Stat. 990; Pub. L. 117–168, title VIII, §807(a)(4), Aug. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 1806.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 117–168 struck out "(at the payee's last address of record)" after "notice to the payee".

2001—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–103 struck out subsec. (c) which read as follows: "The effective date of a discontinuance under section 5503(b)(1)(A) of this title of pension, compensation, or emergency officers' retirement pay by reason of hospital treatment or institutional or domiciliary care shall be the last day of the first month of such treatment or care during which the value of the veteran's estate, as determined under such section, equals or exceeds $1,500."

1991—Pub. L. 102–40, §402(b)(1), renumbered section 3012 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (b)(4)(A). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted "5312" for "3112".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–40, §402(d)(1), substituted "5503(b)(1)(A)" for "3203(b)(1)(A)".

1986—Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 99–576, §701(64), substituted "the payee's" for "his".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–576, §503, added subsec. (c).

1982—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 97–253 substituted "month" for "calendar year".

1978—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 95–588 restructured subsection and, as so restructured, provided that the effective date of a change in compensation by reason of a change in income would be the last day of the month in which the change occurred rather than the last day in the calendar year in which such change in income occurred.

1976—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 94–433, §402(1), inserted "annulment," before "divorce" in two places.

Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 94–433, §402(2), substituted "the beneficiary's" for "his" before "knowledge".

1971—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 92–198 substituted "last day of the calendar year" for "last day of the month".

1968—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 90–275 struck out exception which provided that where change in income is due to an increase in payments under a public or private retirement plan the effective date of the resulting reduction or discontinuance shall be the last day of the calendar year in which the change occurred.

1966—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 89–730 provided for exception that where change in income is due to an increase in payments under a public or private retirement plan the effective date of the resulting reduction or discontinuance shall be the last day of the calendar year in which the change occurred.

1962—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 87–825 redesignated subsec. (c) as (b), amended such subsec. generally, and among other changes, inserted provisions relating to the marriage, divorce, or death of a dependent of a payee, the change in income or corpus of an estate, the change in disability or employability of a veteran, the change in law or administrative issue of service-connected or employability status or physical condition, the discontinuance of school attendance, the termination of a temporary increase in compensation for hospitalization or treatment, an erroneous award based on an act or omission of the beneficiary or with his knowledge, and an erroneous award based solely on administrative error or error in judgment, changed the effective date by reason of death, or by reason of marriage or remarriage, from the date of death, or the day before the date of marriage or remarriage, respectively, to the last day of the month before such death, marriage or remarriage occurs, and eliminated provisions relating to attaining age 18 or 21, as applicable, and to fraud on the part of the beneficiary or with his knowledge. Former subsec. (b), which related to the effective date of a reduction or discontinuance in rates, of a compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, or a pension award, was struck out.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–253, title IV, §402(b), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 802, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to any marriage, annulment, divorce, or death that occurs after September 30, 1982."

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–588 effective Jan. 1, 1979, see section 401 of Pub. L. 95–588, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–433 effective Oct. 1, 1976, see section 406 of Pub. L. 94–433, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1971 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 92–198 effective Jan. 1, 1972, see section 6 of Pub. L. 92–198, set out as a note under section 1521 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–275 effective first day of first calendar month following month of initial payment of increases in monthly insurance benefits provided by Social Security Amendments of 1967, see section 6(b) of Pub. L. 90–275, set out as a note under section 1521 of this title.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–730 effective first day of second calendar month following Nov. 2, 1966, see section 7(a) of Pub. L. 89–730, set out as a note under section 1315 of this title.

Effective Date of 1962 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 87–825 effective first day of second calendar month which begins after Oct. 15, 1962, see section 7 of Pub. L. 87–825, set out as a note under section 110 of this title.

Rule of Construction

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–168 not to be construed to apply section 5104(a) of this title to decisions of the Board of Veterans' Appeals under chapter 71 of this title, see section 807(b) of Pub. L. 117–168, set out as a note under section 5100 of this title.

§5113. Effective dates of educational benefits

(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), effective dates relating to awards under chapters 30, 31, 32, 34, and 35 of this title or chapter 106 of title 10 shall, to the extent feasible, correspond to effective dates relating to awards of disability compensation.

(b)(1) When determining the effective date of an award under chapter 35 of this title for an individual described in paragraph (2) based on an original claim, the Secretary may consider the individual's application as having been filed on the eligibility date of the individual if that eligibility date is more than one year before the date of the initial rating decision.

(2) An individual referred to in paragraph (1) is an eligible person who—

(A) submits to the Secretary an original application for educational assistance under chapter 35 of this title within one year of the date that the Secretary makes the rating decision;

(B) claims such educational assistance for pursuit of an approved program of education during a period preceding the one-year period ending on the date on which the application was received by the Secretary; and

(C) would have been entitled to such educational assistance for such course pursuit if the individual had submitted such an application on the individual's eligibility date.

(3) In this subsection:

(A) The term "eligibility date" means the date on which an individual becomes an eligible person.

(B) The term "eligible person" has the meaning given that term under subparagraphs (A), (B), (D), and (E) of section 3501(a)(1) of this title.

(C) The term "initial rating decision" means with respect to an eligible person a decision made by the Secretary that establishes (i) service connection for the death of the person from whom such eligibility is derived or (ii) the existence of the service-connected total disability permanent in nature (or, in the case of a person made eligible under section 3501(a)(1)(E), the total disability permanent in nature incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, air, or space service) of the person from whom such eligibility is derived, as the case may be.

(c) The effective date of an adjustment of benefits under any chapter referred to in subsection (a) of this section, if made on the basis of a certification made by the veteran or person and accepted by the Secretary under section 3680(g) of this title, shall be the date of the change.

(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1227, §3013; Pub. L. 89–358, §4(p), Mar. 3, 1966, 80 Stat. 25; Pub. L. 99–576, title III, §321(10), Oct. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 3278; Pub. L. 100–322, title III, §323, May 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 536; Pub. L. 101–237, title IV, §419, Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2087; Pub. L. 102–16, §10(a)(9), Mar. 22, 1991, 105 Stat. 56; renumbered §5113, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 102–83, §5(c)(1), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 406; Pub. L. 106–419, title I, §113(a), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1832; Pub. L. 109–444, §3(c)(2), Dec. 21, 2006, 120 Stat. 3307; Pub. L. 109–461, title III, §301(c)(2), title X, §1006(b), Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3427, 3468; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §926(a)(54), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3830.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (b)(3)(C). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "air, or space service" for "or air service".

2006—Pub. L. 109–461, §1006(b), provided that as of the enactment of Pub. L. 109–461, the amendments made by Pub. L. 109–444 were deemed for all purposes not to have taken effect and that Pub. L. 109–444 ceased to be in effect. See Amendment notes below and section 1006(b) of Pub. L. 109–461, set out as a Coordination of Provisions With Pub. L. 109–444 note under section 101 of this title.

Subsec. (b)(3)(B). Pub. L. 109–461, §301(c)(2)(A), substituted "subparagraphs (A), (B), (D), and (E) of section 3501(a)(1) of this title." for "section 3501(a)(1) of this title under subparagraph (A)(i), (A)(ii), (B), or (D) of such section by reason of either (i) the service-connected death or (ii) service-connected total disability permanent in nature of the veteran from whom such eligibility is derived."

Pub. L. 109–444, §3(c)(2)(A), which substituted "subparagraphs (A), (B), (D), and (E) of section 3501(a)(1) of this title." for "section 3501(a)(1) of this title under subparagraph (A)(i), (A)(ii), (B), or (D) of such section by reason of either (i) the service-connected death or (ii) service-connected total disability permanent in nature of the veteran from whom such eligibility is derived.", was terminated by Pub. L. 109–461, §1006(b). See Amendment notes above.

Subsec. (b)(3)(C). Pub. L. 109–461, §301(c)(2)(B), substituted "the death of the person from whom such eligibility is derived" for "such veteran's death" and "the service-connected total disability permanent in nature (or, in the case of a person made eligible under section 3501(a)(1)(E), the total disability permanent in nature incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service) of the person from whom such eligibility is derived" for "such veteran's service-connected total disability permanent in nature".

Pub. L. 109–444, §3(c)(2)(B), which substituted "the death of the person from whom such eligibility is derived" for "such veteran's death" and "the service-connected total disability permanent in nature (or, in the case of a person made eligible under section 3501(a)(1)(E), the total disability permanent in nature incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service) of the person from whom such eligibility is derived" for "such veteran's service-connected total disability permanent in nature", was terminated by Pub. L. 109–461, §1006(b). See Amendment notes above.

2000—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–419, §113(a)(2), substituted "subsections (b) and (c)" for "subsection (b) of this section".

Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 106–419, §113(a)(1), (3), added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c).

1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 3013 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–16 inserted "or chapter 106 of title 10" after "of this title".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–83 substituted "3680(g)" for "1780(g)".

1989—Pub. L. 101–237 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), substituted "Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, effective" for "Effective", and added subsec. (b).

1988—Pub. L. 100–322 inserted reference to chapter 32.

1986—Pub. L. 99–576 inserted reference to chapter 30.

1966—Pub. L. 89–358 substituted "34" for "33".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by section 301(c)(2) of Pub. L. 109–461 applicable with respect to a payment of educational assistance for a course of education pursued after Dec. 22, 2006, see section 301(d) of Pub. L. 109–461, set out as a note under section 3501 of this title.

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–419, title I, §113(b), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1832, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to applications first made under section 3513 of title 38, United States Code, that—

"(1) are received on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 1, 2000]; or

"(2) on the date of the enactment of this Act, are pending (A) with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or (B) exhaustion of available administrative and judicial remedies."