Step 2 of 7
📌File an Intent to File
Protect your effective date by filing an Intent to File — this locks in your start date for back pay.
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Claim Builder
1
Gather Your Evidence
2
File an Intent to File
3
Write Your Personal Statement
4
Get Buddy Letters
5
Get a Nexus Letter
6
File Your Claim
7
Attend Your C&P Exam
What It Is
An Intent to File (ITF) tells the VA you plan to file a claim. It establishes your "effective date" — the date from which you'll receive back pay once your claim is approved.
Why It Matters
If your claim takes 6 months to process and your ITF was filed 6 months ago, you get 6 months of back pay. Without an ITF, your effective date is the day you submit your completed claim.
How to File
- Online: Log into VA.gov → File a claim → Intent to File
- Phone: Call VA at 1-800-827-1000
- In person: Visit your local VA regional office
- Form: VA Form 21-0966
Important
- An ITF is valid for ONE YEAR — you must submit your completed claim within 12 months
- You can file an ITF even before you have all your evidence
- File this FIRST, then take your time gathering evidence
- There is NO downside to filing an ITF — do it immediately