@tinker2cute Congrats!! Welcome! First, about the back pay, there is a lot that goes into it. I will try an example the best I can from DFAS this morning the Rep gave me the info on that.
-What is the date of separation on your orders? (This determines the date of when your retirement pay will start if your date, for example, is Jan 2007, then the backpay could start there)
-Is your VA rating higher than you Miltary rating? (For example, if your VA rating at separation was 50% and your military rating was 30%, you will not receive anything.)
-If not, when did it increase? (at separation your VA rating was 10% (your military is 30%) and didn't increase for a couple of years, then you would get back pay up until the VA rating increased
-Did you collect severance? If so, did you pay it? (if you still owe severance, that will be recouped first)
For me, I was separated @ 20% in Jan 2007, I received a severance. That severance has been paid in full as of Dec 2017. I am now at 90% as of 2015. I will be awarded retro pay from 2007 until 2015. That is only if my orders state that my retirement is from date of separation.
I hope this helps you and anyone else.
This info was given me to this morning by a DFAS rep.