Protecting your date
VA Intent to File, explained
The five-minute step that can protect a year of back pay.
The short version
Tell the VA “I’m about to file” before you actually do. It freezes your start date — so even if it takes you months to finish gathering everything, your back pay still counts from today.
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What it actually does
Your effective date is the date your benefits — and any back pay — are calculated from. An Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) can set that date as of the day you file the intent, even if it takes you weeks or months to gather evidence and submit the full claim. - 2
The one-year window
After you file an Intent to File, you generally have up to one year to submit your complete claim and still keep that earlier effective date. Miss the window, and your date typically resets to whenever you actually file. Confirm the current rules on VA.gov. - 3
Three ways to file it
You can submit an Intent to File online when you start a claim at VA.gov, by phone at 800-827-1000, or by mail using VA Form 21-0966. Pick whichever is fastest — the point is to start the clock.
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This guide is general educational information, not legal advice, and timelines and forms can change — always confirm the current rules at VA.gov. ItsYourBenefits is not affiliated with the VA and is not an accredited representative.