Intent to File
An Intent to File can establish a potential start date when the correct completed claim follows in time. It is not the claim or an award; preserve VA's confirmation and use VA's processed or received date.
Overview
An Intent to File notifies VA that you plan to file for a general benefit. VA describes it as setting a potential start date. It is not the completed claim, does not prove entitlement, and does not guarantee an award, back pay, or final effective date. Use VA's confirmation date Track the processed or received date shown by VA and the benefit type. Do not use the date you first considered filing, began gathering records, or entered an estimate in Pathfinder as though VA confirmed it.
Choose the current official path
Start with VA's live guidance because the automatic-intent list and routes can change. Situation Current starting point Record to keep Starting a signed-in online disability claim VA says starting the official online disability application automatically notifies VA of intent; a separate Form 21-0966 is not needed for that flow. Saved-application or start-date confirmation and the completed submission receipt. Starting a signed-in online Supplemental Claim for disability VA's Intent to File page currently includes this online form in its automatic-intent list. Follow the live flow and the decision notice. Official start confirmation, notice, and later review submission receipt. Using a paper disability application Consider the current separate online ITF process, phone, in-person route, or current VA Form 21-0966 before the paper claim. ITF confirmation or exact form and delivery proof. Responding to a prior decision Read the decision notice and current review instructions before assuming an ITF affects the date or lane. Complete notice, chosen official action, and receipt.
What it may do
Notify VA that you plan to file for a general supported benefit. Set a potential start date if the correct completed claim follows within the required period and VA later grants the benefit. Give time to complete an application and gather the information you choose to submit. Create a confirmation and date that should be preserved with the later claim.
What it does not do
File a completed disability claim or decision review. Identify or prove every condition. Establish service connection, rating, or severity. Guarantee the ITF date as the final effective date. Guarantee retroactive payment or a payment amount. Extend a deadline stated in a prior VA notice. Remain available for every later claim after a completed claim uses it.
Submit and preserve the record
Identify the general benefit Confirm compensation, pension, DIC, or another benefit supported by the current instructions. A separate intent may be needed for a different benefit type. Use an official route Start from VA's current ITF or filing page. For paper use, download the current Form 21-0966 and follow the current PDF instructions. Complete the VA action yourself Pathfinder does not enter identity facts, sign, or submit the ITF. Save confirmation immediately Keep the official confirmation, reference number, processed or received date, benefit type, route, exact form, and delivery proof as applicable. Track the one-year period VA's current public guidance says the completed claim must be filed within one year after notifying VA. Use reminders, but let VA's confirmation and current instructions control. Save the completed claim and receipt Keep the final application, attachments, submission confirmation, and ITF confirmation together. One year is not a universal deadline rule Decision notices, prior decisions, benefit types, separation timing, increases, and other effective-date rules can create different questions. Do not use this article or a Pathfinder reminder to recalculate or replace a notice date.
After the completed claim
VA says an Intent to File is no longer active after the completed claim is filed and will not be used for another later claim. VA also says only one ITF can be active at a time. Review any additional intended issues before submitting, then check current instructions again for a later filing.
If the ITF record is unclear
If the ITF record is unclear I only remember an approximate date. Search for the VA confirmation. Check the official account or application record. Contact VA through the current official route if needed. Keep the date labeled unverified until VA's processed or received date is confirmed. I started an online application while signed out. Review VA's current automatic-intent conditions. Check whether VA saved a signed-in application start. Do not assume a browser session created an ITF. Use VA's actual confirmation, not the time spent on an unsigned or signed-out page. A decision-review deadline is approaching. Read the complete notice. Identify the official review lane and evidence rules. Use the date and instructions stated by VA. Do not treat an ITF as an extension or lane selection. I filed the completed claim but saved no receipt. Check the official claim status. Preserve the exact application and attachments. Record any VA acknowledgment separately. Do not fabricate a confirmation or replace VA's acknowledgment with a Pathfinder note. Preserve the VA confirmation and exact completed submission. Keep any approximate or veteran-reported date visibly unverified.
Official sources
Official sources VA: Your intent to file a VA claim https://www.va.gov/resources/your-intent-to-file-a-va-claim/ VA Form 21-0966: Intent to File a Claim https://www.va.gov/forms/21-0966/ VA: How to file a disability claim https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/ VA: Disability compensation effective dates https://www.va.gov/disability/effective-date/
Related guidance
Related guidance Set up a VA.gov account /help-center/getting-started/static-va-gov-account-setup Review VA Form 21-526EZ /help-center/claims-and-appeals/static-va-form-21-526ez Read broad effective-date guidance /claims-guide/effective-dates
More information
Preserve the official date Save VA's confirmation, benefit type, route, and processed or received date, then complete the correct application within the period VA states. Review broad filing guidance /claims-guide/how-to-file