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How to Ensure Your VA Claim's Effective Date Matches Your Intent to File

Writer's picture: Veteran Disability (VADA)Veteran Disability (VADA)
Filing an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) is a strategic step for veterans seeking to secure their effective date for VA disability benefits. However, misunderstandings about how this form works can lead to confusion and frustration, especially when the effective date for certain claims is not recognized as expected. This blog will explain why this happens and how veterans can ensure their claims are processed correctly.
Veteran and Spouse
Maximize Your VA Benefits: Correct Use of the Intent to File Form 0966

The effective date of a VA disability claim is crucial because it determines the amount of back pay a veteran can receive. By submitting an Intent to File, veterans can establish an early effective date while they gather the necessary evidence to support their claim. However, it's important to understand that the Intent to File is specific to the type of claim being pursued and does not automatically apply to all subsequent claims.

Understanding the Intent to File

When a veteran submits an Intent to File, it sets a placeholder effective date for a specific type of claim, such as disability compensation, increased disability compensation, or dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC). This form allows the veteran up to one year to submit the complete claim with all necessary documentation while preserving the initial effective date.


Scenario: Filing Multiple Claims

Consider the case of a veteran who files an Intent to File in January, indicating an intention to claim benefits for a lumbar strain. In April, the veteran submits the complete claim for the lumbar strain, which is recognized with the effective date from January. However, the veteran files a new claim for knee conditions in July. The effective date for the knee claim will not be the same as the lumbar strain because the original Intent to File was specific to the lumbar strain claim.


Why the Effective Date Isn't the Same

The key reason the effective date for the knee claim is not recognized as January is that the Intent to File form submitted in January was specific to the lumbar strain. The Intent to File does not automatically cover all future claims unless a separate Intent to File is submitted for each specific type of claim. Therefore, the knee claim, filed in July, will have its effective date based on the date the VA receives that specific claim, not the date of the original Intent to File for the lumbar strain.


The VA Disability Advocate's Advice:

To ensure that your effective date is properly recognized and to avoid losing back pay, veterans should follow these steps:

  • Submit a Separate Intent to File for Each Claim: If you plan to file multiple claims for different conditions, submit an Intent to File form for each condition to secure the earliest possible effective date.

  • Clearly Specify the Claim Type: Make sure your Intent to File form clearly specifies the type of claim you are pursuing (e.g., disability compensation for lumbar strain, disability compensation for knee conditions).

  • Track Your Submissions: Keep a record of all Intent to File forms and the corresponding claims to ensure that each claim is associated with the correct effective date.

  • Submit Complete Claims Promptly: After filing an Intent to File, gather the necessary evidence and submit your complete claim within the one-year period to maintain the effective date.


For assistance with filing an Intent to File and navigating the VA claims process, seek the help of an Accredited VA Disability Advocate. They can guide you through the process, ensure that your claims are supported by the necessary evidence, and help you maximize your benefits. For personalized assistance, visit VA Disability Advocate and connect with an Accredited VA Disability Advocate who can provide valuable support and guidance.




Albert L. Thombs
Accredited VA Disability Advocate
Phone: 702-992-4883
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