VA Intent to File: Protect Your Effective Date and Maximize Back Pay

If you're even thinking about filing a VA disability claim, the single most important thing you can do right now is submit an Intent to File. It takes less than five minutes, costs nothing, and could be worth thousands of dollars in back pay. Here's everything you need to know about the VA Intent to File process and why it should be your very first step.

What Is a VA Intent to File?

An Intent to File (ITF) is a formal notice to the VA that you plan to submit a claim for disability compensation, pension, or survivors benefits. By submitting an ITF, you're essentially telling the VA, "I'm working on my claim—please reserve today's date."

The ITF is governed by 38 CFR § 3.155 and was introduced to replace the old informal claim process. It creates a placeholder that protects your effective date, which is the date the VA uses to calculate when your benefits begin.

Why the Effective Date Matters So Much

Your effective date determines how far back the VA will pay you once your claim is approved. Benefits are calculated from the effective date forward—not from the date your claim is finally decided.

Here's the key rule: Your effective date is either the date the VA receives your Intent to File or the date you submit your completed claim—whichever is earlier.

Without an ITF on file, your effective date defaults to the date you submit your completed application. That means every week or month you spend gathering medical records, getting nexus letters, and preparing your claim is time you won't be compensated for.

How an Intent to File Protects Your Back Pay

Let's walk through a real-world example to show the financial impact.

Real-World Example: $14,400+ in Additional Back Pay

Veteran A files an Intent to File on March 1, 2026, then spends eight months gathering evidence and working with a VSO. She submits her completed claim on November 1, 2026, and is granted a 70% disability rating in February 2027.

• Effective date: March 1, 2026 (the ITF date)
• Monthly compensation at 70%: ~$1,808.45 (2026 rate, single, no dependents)
• Back pay: 11 months × $1,808.45 = ~$19,893

Veteran B has the same condition but doesn't file an ITF. He submits his completed claim on November 1, 2026, and receives the same 70% rating in February 2027.

• Effective date: November 1, 2026 (the claim submission date)
• Back pay: 3 months × $1,808.45 = ~$5,425

The difference? Veteran A receives approximately $14,468 more in back pay—just because she filed an Intent to File before starting the claims process.

Three Ways to File an Intent to File

Filing an ITF is simple, and you have three options. Choose whichever works best for your situation.

1. File Online at VA.gov

The fastest method for most veterans:

1. Go to VA.gov and sign in with your Login.gov or ID.me account
2. Navigate to File a disability compensation claim
3. When you begin a new claim, the system automatically creates an Intent to File
4. You'll see a confirmation with your ITF date—save this for your records

Tip: Even if you don't finish the online application, starting it creates an ITF. But don't rely on this alone—confirm you have documentation of the ITF date.

2. Call the VA at 800-827-1000

If you prefer to do things by phone:

1. Call the VA Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000
2. Tell the representative you want to file an Intent to File for disability compensation
3. The representative will submit the ITF on your behalf
4. Ask for a confirmation number and the date it was filed

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM ET.

3. Submit VA Form 21-0966

For veterans who want a paper trail:

1. Download VA Form 21-0966 (Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension)
2. Fill in your personal information and check the box for the type of benefit
3. Mail or fax the completed form to your regional VA office
4. Keep a copy for your records, and consider sending it via certified mail for tracking

You can download the form at VA.gov/find-forms.

The 1-Year Deadline: What Happens After You File

Once your Intent to File is on record, the clock starts ticking. You have 365 days to submit your completed claim (VA Form 21-526EZ for disability compensation). Here's what to keep in mind:

• Use the time wisely. Gather your medical records, service treatment records, buddy statements, and nexus letters.
• Work with a VSO. A Veterans Service Organization can help you build the strongest possible claim within the one-year window.
• Don't wait until the last minute. Aim to submit well before the deadline. If complications arise, you'll have buffer time.
• You can file multiple ITFs. If your first ITF expires, you can file a new one—but you'll lose the original effective date.

Common Mistakes Veterans Make with Effective Dates

Understanding how effective dates work can save you from costly errors. Here are the most common pitfalls:

1. Not Filing an ITF Before Gathering Evidence

Many veterans spend months collecting records and getting medical opinions before contacting the VA. Every one of those months is a month of potential back pay lost. File first, gather evidence second.

2. Assuming the Effective Date Is the Decision Date

The effective date is not when the VA makes its decision. It's when you filed your ITF or completed claim—whichever is earlier. Some veterans are surprised to learn they're owed months or even years of back pay.

3. Letting the ITF Expire

If you file an ITF but don't submit your completed claim within one year, the ITF expires. There's no extension and no grace period. Mark the deadline in your calendar the day you file.

4. Not Keeping Documentation

Always save your ITF confirmation—whether it's a screenshot from VA.gov, a confirmation number from a phone call, or a certified mail receipt. If there's ever a dispute about your effective date, this documentation is critical.

5. Filing for the Wrong Benefit Type

The ITF is specific to the type of benefit you're claiming (compensation, pension, or survivors benefits). Make sure you select the correct category on your ITF so the effective date applies to the right claim.

Know Your Benefits Before You File

Before you submit your Intent to File, it's worth understanding the full range of benefits available to you. Many veterans file for one condition without realizing they may qualify for secondary conditions, dependents benefits, or state-specific programs.

Our Benefits Finder tool walks you through a simple questionnaire and matches you with benefits you might not know exist—from VA healthcare and education benefits to state property tax exemptions and employment preferences.

Take Action Today

The Intent to File is the easiest, most impactful step in the VA claims process. It costs nothing, takes minutes, and could mean thousands of dollars in additional back pay.

Here's your action plan:

1. Right now: File your Intent to File using one of the three methods above
2. This week: Use the Veterans Benefits Finder to explore all benefits available to you
3. This month: Begin gathering your medical evidence, service records, and supporting statements
4. Before your deadline: Submit your completed claim (VA Form 21-526EZ)

Don't leave money on the table. Every day without an Intent to File on record is a day of benefits you may never recover. File your ITF today.