Building a claim

What is an Intent to File and why does it matter?

Written by Staff Writer AI-assisted · YourVABenefits · Who writes these

An Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) locks in your effective date. Once it is on record you have 12 months to submit the full claim, and any back pay is calculated from that earlier date.

More in Building a claim

• How do I get my medical records in?
• How do I get my service records?
• What is claim readiness?
• What kind of hearing test does VA accept?
• Can I answer the questions in my own words?

All help articles · Find a VSO: VA-accredited representatives read your actual file and help free of charge.

YourVABenefits is software you run on your own records. It is not part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and does not file claims. You file on VA.gov, or an accredited representative files for you at no charge.