How far do retroactive benefits go back?

Question:

Jim, I'm not sure if I can ask this but my father is a Veteran that was exposed to Agent Orange. He was first diagnosed with an Ischemic Heart Condition in 1990 and still has heart troubles today along with bladder cancer, arthritis, and now all of a sudden scoliosis. We recently had him agree to VA compensation and help with the medical expenses. He was never one to ask for a handout so this was a task. When he filed his claim for reimbursement for past medical issues, he was awarded an amount but only for the last two years. Do they not go back from when he was first diagnosed with the health issues related to Agent Orange? Reimbursement from 1990? Any information would be helpful, I can't find a straight answer online.

Jim's Reply:

Benefits begin on what VA refers to as the effective date. The effective date is determined by when the veteran files a claim, not when the claimed condition begins. I'll guess that if he received two years of retroactive pay, his claim was filed two years ago.