What it is
An Intent to File tells the VA you plan to submit a disability claim. It is not the claim itself. It is a placeholder that protects the date your benefits could start from.
The form is VA Form 21-0966. It is two pages. It asks for basic identifying information. Most veterans can complete it in under ten minutes.
Why it matters
If the VA approves your claim, your monthly benefit and any back pay are calculated from your effective date. For most claims, that date is the day the VA receives your Intent to File — not the day you finally submit the full claim.
An Intent to File is good for one year. That gives you time to collect medical records, write personal statements, and line up evidence without losing months of potential back pay.
What to do first
- Submit VA Form 21-0966 to lock in your effective date.
- File online at VA.gov, by mail, or by phone at 1-800-827-1000.
- Save a copy of the confirmation. You will want it on file.
- Then start gathering evidence — service treatment records, current medical records, and personal statements.
What to do next
Once your Intent to File is in, start building your claim with care. Consider working with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) — most are free and they know the system.
When you are ready, submit the full claim before the one-year mark. Your effective date will be the date the VA received your Intent to File.