In this post, we’ll explain what an Intent to File (ITF) is, why it’s important for your VA claim, and where you can typically find your Intent to File date.
What is an Intent to File (ITF)?
An Intent to File, according to the VA, “sets a potential start date (or effective date) for your benefits.” Essentially, it’s you officially notifying the VA that you plan to file a claim for benefits like disability compensation, pension, or Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
The key benefit is that if your claim is eventually approved, you may be able to receive retroactive payments back to the date the VA processed your Intent to File, even if it takes you some time to gather all your evidence and submit the full claim. You have one year from the date you submit your ITF to file your completed claim.
How do I notify the VA of my Intent to File?
Before we discuss finding the date, it’s helpful to know how an ITF is established. The VA outlines a few ways:
- Starting Certain Forms Online (Verified Account): For disability compensation claims, Supplemental Claims for disability, and pension applications, starting the application online through VA.gov with an identity-verified account automatically notifies the VA of your intent to file. No separate ITF form is needed for these.
- Submitting an Intent to File Form Online: You can submit VA Form 21-0966 (Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension, or Survivors Pension and/or DIC) directly online.
- By Phone: You can call the VA at 800-827-1000 (TTY: 711) and tell them you want to submit an Intent to File.
- By Mail or In Person: You can download VA Form 21-0966, complete it, and mail it to the address on the form, or submit it in person at a VA office.
- Through a Representative: An accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative can also help you submit your Intent to File.
Where can I find my Intent to File date?
Once you’ve submitted an Intent to File, knowing that date is important for tracking your one-year deadline to file the full claim. Here’s where you can generally find it:
Online Through VA.gov
If you submitted your Intent to File online or if it was automatically created by starting an online application, you should be able to find this information by logging into your VA.gov account.
Look for your active claims or benefits applications. The Intent to File date is often listed as the “Effective Date” or “Potential Effective Date” associated with your developing claim. It might also appear in correspondence or notifications within your VA.gov account.
Confirmation Letters or Emails from VA
When you submit an Intent to File (especially via mail, phone, or sometimes online), the VA typically sends a confirmation letter. This letter should clearly state the date your Intent to File was received and processed. Keep this letter in a safe place.
If you started an application online that automatically generated an ITF, you might receive an email confirmation or see a notification in your VA.gov account.
Your Submitted Forms
If you mailed or faxed VA Form 21-0966, keep a copy for your records. While this copy shows when you filled it out, the official date will be when the VA received and processed it, which would be on their confirmation.
Contacting the VA
If you’re unable to locate the date through the methods above, you can call the VA at 800-827-1000 (TTY: 711). A VA representative should be able to look up your record and provide you with the official Intent to File date they have on file.
Through Your VSO or Accredited Representative
If you worked with a VSO, claims agent, or attorney to submit your Intent to File, they will have a record of it and can provide you with the date. They also often receive copies of VA correspondence.
Why is knowing this date important?
Your Intent to File date locks in a potential effective date for your benefits. You have one year from this date to submit your completed claim application. If you miss this one-year deadline, you’ll need to submit a new Intent to File, and your potential effective date for benefits would then be based on that new, later date.
The Bottom Line
Your Intent to File date is a key piece of information that can impact your VA benefits. It’s usually found in your VA.gov account, on correspondence from the VA, or by contacting the VA directly or through your representative.
Need help with your VA claim or appeal?
Understanding VA procedures like the Intent to File is just one part of the claims process. If you’ve filed a claim and received an unfavorable decision, or if you need assistance navigating an appeal, the team at Cameron Firm, PC, can help. We specialize in representing veterans in VA disability appeals. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
