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How to file an Intent to File

10 minutes. Costs nothing. Locks your effective date for 12 months.

Method 1: Online (fastest — recommended)

1. Go to va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-0966 ↗
2. Sign in with one of: Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet. If you don't have any, ID.me is the fastest setup (~10 min).
3. Click "File an Intent to File online".
4. Select the type of benefit you intend to file for: most commonly "Compensation" (for service-connected disability).
5. Confirm your contact information.
6. Click Submit.
7. Print or save the confirmation page. Note the Intent to File date — this is your locked-in effective date.

Method 2: By phone (works if you can't sign in online)

1. Call 1-800-827-1000 (Monday–Friday, 8am–9pm ET).
2. Tell the representative: "I'd like to file an Intent to File for VA disability compensation."
3. Provide your name, SSN, and contact information.
4. They will generate the ITF for you on the spot.
5. Ask for confirmation in writing — they'll mail it.

Method 3: By mail or in person

1. Download the form: VBA-21-0966 (PDF)
2. Print, fill out (it's short — basic identifying info + benefit type), and sign.
3. Mail to your VA Regional Office (find yours ↗) OR hand-deliver to any VA office and ask for a date-stamped receipt.
4. Keep a copy.

After you file

You have 365 days from the ITF date to submit your formal 21-526EZ claim. Within that window, your effective date is the ITF date — not the formal claim date. Calendar a reminder for 11 months from now so you don't accidentally lose the window.