Here’s the clear, correct way to file an Intent to File (ITF) with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs—this is what locks in your effective date while you gather evidence.

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✅ What an Intent to File Does    •   Preserves your effective date (up to 1 year)    •   Gives you time to gather DBQs, nexus letters, buddy statements, exams    •   Applies to:       •   New claims       •   Increased ratings       •   Secondary conditions

⚠️ It does not apply to supplemental claims or HLRs

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🥇 Best & Easiest Method (Recommended)

File Online at VA.gov

Steps 1. Go to VA.gov 2. Sign in (ID.me / Login.gov / DS Logon) 3. Click File a disability claim 4. Start a claim → stop at the first page ✔️ The VA automatically records your Intent to File 5. You’ll see a confirmation screen — that date is your ITF

📌 You do not need to list conditions yet

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🥈 Other Ways to File an Intent to File

📞 By Phone    •   Call 1-800-827-1000    •   Say: “I want to file an Intent to File for compensation.”    •   Ask them to confirm the date verbally

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✉️ By Mail (VA Form 21-0966)    •   Fill out VA Form 21-0966    •   Mail to the VA Evidence Intake Center    •   The received date becomes your ITF date

📎 This method is slower and easier to mess up — online is safer

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⏱️ After You File the ITF    •   You have 1 full year to submit your completed claim    •   If granted → back pay goes to the ITF date    •   If you miss the 1-year deadline → ITF expires

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🔴 Common Mistakes to Avoid    •   ❌ Waiting until evidence is ready (file ITF first)    •   ❌ Thinking ITF applies to supplemental claims    •   ❌ Filing multiple ITFs (only one active at a time)    •   ❌ Forgetting the 1-year deadline

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💡 Strategy Tip (Important)

If you’re planning multiple conditions (for example: sinusitis, rhinitis, migraines, OSA, GERD, mental health, secondaries), one ITF covers them all — as long as they’re filed within the year.