Intent to File

What Is This Form?

VA Form 21-0966 is the Intent to File — a simple placeholder that establishes your "effective date" with the VA while you prepare your full disability or pension claim. Think of it as saving your place in line.

Your effective date is the date from which the VA calculates your back pay. If your claim is approved, you receive retroactive payments all the way back to your effective date. The Intent to File sets that date today, even before you have all your evidence together.

Who Needs to File This Form?

• Veterans planning to file any disability compensation claim (21-526EZ)
• Veterans planning to file a pension claim
• Surviving dependents planning to file for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
• Veterans who were recently denied and are gathering new evidence for a Supplemental Claim
• Veterans who need more time to gather medical records, nexus letters, or buddy statements

If you're even thinking about filing a VA claim, file the Intent to File today. You have nothing to lose and potentially thousands of dollars to gain.

What You Need to Fill It Out

• Your full name and Social Security Number
• Your VA file number (if you have one — otherwise leave blank)
• Date of birth
• Your address and contact information
• Type of benefit you plan to claim (compensation, pension, or DIC)

That's it. This form does not require medical records, service records, or any supporting documentation. It's simply a notice to the VA that you intend to file a claim.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose your benefit type. Select "Compensation" if you're filing for disability pay, "Pension" if you're filing for pension benefits, or "Survivors Pension and/or DIC" if you're a surviving dependent.
2. Enter veteran identification information. Your name, Social Security Number, date of birth, and VA file number (if applicable). Double-check spelling — errors can cause processing delays.
3. Enter contact information. Current mailing address and phone number where the VA can reach you.
4. Sign and date. The form requires your signature and the date. This date becomes your official effective date if the full claim is filed within one year.
5. Submit immediately. Don't wait. Submit online at VA.gov, by phone at 1-800-827-1000, or in person at a VA regional office. The earlier it's received, the earlier your effective date.
6. Document your submission. Save your confirmation number or take note of your submission date. You'll want proof of when you filed.
7. Now gather your evidence. You have up to one year from this date to submit your completed 21-526EZ with all supporting evidence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting until your evidence is ready. File the Intent to File NOW. You can gather evidence for up to a year afterward. Every day you wait is a day of potential back pay lost.
• Letting the year expire. The Intent to File is only valid for 12 months. Set a calendar reminder and make sure your full claim is submitted before the anniversary date.
• Not filing one before a Supplemental Claim. If your original claim was denied and you're gathering new evidence, an Intent to File can protect your new effective date during that process.
• Checking the wrong benefit type. Disability compensation and pension are different programs. Make sure you select the right one — it affects which form you'll need to submit next.
• Not keeping a copy. Save a dated confirmation of your submission. If there's ever a dispute about your effective date, this is your evidence.

Where to Submit

Online (Fastest)

File at VA.gov or use claim.vet's guided tool. Online submission is instantaneous — your effective date is established the moment it's received.

By Phone

Call the VA Benefits line at 1-800-827-1000. A representative will document your Intent to File over the phone and establish your effective date that day.

In Person

Visit your nearest VA Regional Office. Bring ID and ask to file a 21-0966. Request a date-stamped copy for your records.

By Mail (Not Recommended)

Mail to your VA Regional Office. Your effective date is the date the VA receives it — not the date you mailed it. This method has the most risk of delay.

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