VA Intent to File: The One Document That Protects Your Disability Claim Timeline

What is a VA Intent to File?

Think of the Intent to File as a placeholder for your VA disability benefits.

Not just any placeholder. A financial one.

It’s a simple form that tells the Department of Veterans Affairs, “I plan to file a claim for benefits” – without requiring all the evidence and documentation upfront.

The real power? It locks in your effective date for your benefits.

This single action can protect thousands of dollars in VA disability compensation while giving veterans up to a year to gather evidence.

Why is the VA Intent to File Important?

Imagine earning $1,500 monthly in VA disability benefits.

Now multiply that by 6 months – the average time many veterans spend gathering evidence before filing a complete claim for VA disability.

That’s $9,000 potentially lost forever.

The Intent to File preserves your right to that money by establishing your earlier effective date – the point from which the VA calculates your back pay if your claim is approved.

Without it, your effective date becomes the day you submit your complete claim – not when you started the process.

This isn’t just paperwork. It’s financial protection for veterans.

Who Should File an Intent to File?

Submit a VA intent to file if:

• You’re a veteran considering filing a claim for benefits
• You intend to file but need time to gather the necessary evidence
• You’re even thinking about a VA disability claim
• You’ve discovered a new condition connected to your service
• You’re seeking an increase for an existing service-connected disability rating

The barrier to filing is intentionally low. The cost of not filing is potentially high for veterans seeking VA benefits.

When Should You File a VA Intent to File?

File it today.

Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today.

The moment you’re considering applying for benefits is the moment you should submit a VA intent.

If you later decide not to proceed, nothing is lost. If you do file a claim, you’ve protected your date you file for back to the date of your intent.

There’s no downside to filing early, but there’s a significant financial penalty for missing the one-year deadline.

Is There a Deadline for Filing an Intent to File?

An Intent to File form expires exactly one year after the date the VA receives your submission. If you don’t submit a complete claim within that window, the protection expires.

But here’s what most people miss: you can file a new Intent to File immediately after the first one expires.

Your intent to file date will reset to the new filing date, but you’ll still have protection moving forward in the VA claims process.

How Does Timing Affect Your Claim and Benefits?

Timing isn’t just about convenience. It’s about maximizing your back pay.

When the VA approves your claim, they calculate retroactive benefits back to the date you filed your ITF – not from when your condition began.

This creates a simple equation:

Earlier effective date of your claim = More retroactive benefits

A VA disability claim approved today with an effective date from a year ago means 12 months of back pay. The same claim without an Intent to File means zero back pay.

What Steps are Involved in Filing a VA Intent to File?

1. Choose your submission method (online through VA.gov, by mail, in person, or through a VSO)
2. Complete VA Form 21-0966 (or the online equivalent)
3. Submit the form to notify VA
4. Receive confirmation (typically within 10-14 days)
5. Begin gathering evidence for your complete claim
6. File your claim for benefits within one year

Each step is designed to be straightforward. The VA claims process starts with this simple protection mechanism.

How Do You Submit Your Intent to File?

You have four options to file a VA claim:

1. File online: Log into VA.gov and use the “Start or continue your disability claim” button for VA intent to file online
2. Mail: Send a completed VA Form 21-0966 to the VA Claims Intake Center
3. In Person: Visit your local VA regional office
4. Through a VSO or VA Accredited Claims Agent: Work with an accredited representative who can help you with your claim

The online method provides immediate confirmation, making it the preferred option for many veterans seeking VA disability benefits.

The difference is in confirmation time:

• Online: Immediate confirmation
• By mail: Confirmation in 1-2 weeks after the date the VA receives your form
• In person: Same-day confirmation at the Department of Veterans Affairs office
• Through a VA accredited representative: Varies, but typically same-day

What Should You Do After Filing Your Intent to File?

Start the clock.

As a veteran, you have exactly one year from your date you file your ITF to gather your evidence and submit your formal claim.

Focus on:

• Obtaining medical records
• Securing buddy statements
• Getting necessary exams
• Documenting the connection between your condition and service
• Taking time to gather evidence for a strong claim

Don’t wait until month 11 to begin this process. Start immediately after contacting the VA, but know you have the full year if needed.

What Happens After You File Your Intent to File?

The VA will send you confirmation that they received your intent.

This confirmation is crucial – it’s your proof of your effective date of your VA disability claim.

Save this documentation. It may become important if there’s ever a question about the date VA receives your ITF.

Meanwhile, the one-year clock starts ticking for you to file your claim for benefits within the VA.

How Will You Know if Your Intent to File is Accepted?

The VA will send you written confirmation, typically within 10-14 days.

If you file for VA online, you’ll receive immediate electronic confirmation.

If you don’t receive confirmation within two weeks, consider contacting the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or check your claim status on VA.gov.

What are the Next Steps in the VA Disability Claim Process?

With your Intent to File submitted and your effective date secured, focus on building a strong VA benefits claim:

1. Gather medical evidence
2. Document the connection between your condition and service
3. Complete VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation)
4. File your claim for benefits within one year of your application within one year deadline

Remember: the strength of your evidence directly impacts the likelihood of approval for your VA disability compensation.

Common Questions About VA Intent to File

What Should You Do if Your Intent to File is Denied?

Intent to File submissions are rarely denied unless there’s a fundamental error in the information provided.

If yours is denied:

1. Review the reason for denial
2. Correct any errors
3. Submit a new Intent to File immediately

Remember, a denial doesn’t prevent you from filing a claim for VA disability – it only affects your potential effective date for your benefits.

Can You Amend or Withdraw Your Intent to File?

You cannot amend an Intent to File, but this isn’t a limitation – it’s a feature.

The form intentionally asks for minimal information to make it easy for veterans to apply for benefits quickly.

If you decide not to pursue a claim, you can simply let your Intent to File expire with no penalty to your ability to receive benefits.

Are There Any Fees Associated with Filing an Intent to File?

None.

The Intent to File form is free to submit for all veterans, regardless of how you choose to notify the VA of your type of claim.

Is Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Covered?

Yes, an Intent to File can also be used for DIC benefits. Surviving spouses and dependents can use this same process to establish an attorney-client relationship with representation, if desired.

Conclusion

The Intent to File isn’t just another form in the VA claims process. It’s financial protection for veterans.

One simple submission can be the difference between receiving months of retroactive payments or none at all.

File it early. File it today. Then take your time building a strong VA disability claim.

The system was designed this way for a reason: to help you with your claim and give veterans time to develop evidence without sacrificing the benefits you deserve.

Don’t leave money on the table. Intent to file sets your effective date first, then focus on building your strongest possible claim to get compensation you’ve earned.

The difference between a denied claim and an approved one often comes down to having the right guide. Book a consultation with our team and let’s map out your path to the benefits you’ve earned. Or download our free guide: The 5 Fatal Flaws that Get Post-9/11 Orthopedic Claims Denied.