VA Form 21-0966
The most financially important form in the VA system. It “stops the clock” to protect your potential back pay.
VA Form 21-0966: Intent to File
What is VA Form 21-0966?
VA Form 21-0966, officially the “Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension,” is a document that notifies the VA you plan to file a disability claim in the future. Filing this form establishes your Effective Date immediately, giving you one full year to gather evidence and submit your actual claim without losing out on retroactive pay.
When should I use this form?
You should submit this form immediately if:
- You are thinking about filing a new disability claim.
- You are planning to file for an increased rating.
- You need time to gather medical records but don’t want to lose potential payout months.
How does the timeline work?
Once the VA receives this form, you have exactly one year to submit your completed application (VA Form 21-526EZ). If you are awarded benefits, the VA will usually pay you back to the date they received the 21-0966, not the date you finished the paperwork months later.
Common Mistakes
- Waiting too long: Do not wait until you have all your records to file this. File it first, then get your records.
- Filing for appeals: You generally cannot use an Intent to File for Supplemental Claims or Higher-Level Reviews. It applies to new claims and increases only.
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Our office is committed to making veterans aware of their VA benefits and helping qualified veterans receive benefits that the VA has denied. In appeals, we always seek to secure the compensation our injured veterans rightfully deserve to provide for themselves and their families.
