Intent to File (ITF): lock in your VA start date

An intent to file tells VA you plan to file a claim. It sets a potential start (effective) date, so if your claim is approved you may get back pay to that date instead of the day you finally finished the paperwork.

What it covers

• Disability compensation
• Pension
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC, for survivors)

The clock

After you submit an ITF, you have 1 year to complete and file the claim. Miss it and that date is gone.

How to submit it (pick one)

1. Automatic, online: sign in to VA.gov with an identity-verified account and start a disability claim, a disability Supplemental Claim, or a pension application. Starting the form records your ITF; no separate form or call needed.
2. ITF form online: use VA's online intent-to-file form.
3. Phone: call the VA benefits hotline, 800-827-1000 (TTY: 711), Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–9 p.m. ET.
4. Mail or in person: VA Form 21-0966, mailed to the address on the PDF.
5. With help: an accredited VSO rep, attorney or claims agent can file it for you.

Traps people hit

• One active ITF at a time. Once you file the full claim, that ITF is used up. You can still add conditions to the pending claim.
• Separate ITF per benefit type. An ITF for disability doesn't protect a later pension claim.
• The automatic ITF does not apply to DIC, or to Supplemental Claims for anything other than disability. Those need the separate ITF form.
• Can't sign in? Fix that first with VA.gov sign-in help.

Still on active duty with 180–90 days left? Look at a BDD pre-discharge claim instead.

Related: Top 10 most-missed veteran benefits · Leaving-the-service timeline · VA.gov sign-in help · All vet benefit guides