Lock In Your Effective Date: File an Intent to File Today

Lock in your backpay date today - don't leave months of retro on the table. Take 10 minutes on VA.gov to submit VA Form 21-0966 (Intent to File) for Compensation - this instantly secures your effective date for one year while you gather evidence. After submitting, download the confirmation page/PDF and save it with your claim files. Set a calendar reminder 10 months out to finish and submit your full claim before the deadline. If you need help, search "Intent to File" on VA.gov for step-by-step guidance.