How to File an Intent to File with the VA: A Step-by-Step Guide

rogerscottbrown
Jun 3
2 min read

If you’re a veteran considering applying for VA disability benefits, one of the most important—and often overlooked—steps is filing an Intent to File. This simple action can protect your effective date and potentially lead to receiving months of back pay once your claim is approved.

In this guide, we’ll explain what an Intent to File is, why it’s crucial, and how you can submit it quickly and correctly.

What is an Intent to File?

An Intent to File is a formal notification to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that you plan to file a claim for disability compensation, pension, or survivor benefits. While it is not the claim itself, it essentially “holds your place in line,” giving you time to gather documentation and evidence without losing your priority date.

Why File an Intent to File?

The VA awards benefits starting from the effective date, usually the date the VA receives your claim. However, if you submit an Intent to File first and then submit your complete claim within one year, the VA will use the date of your Intent to File as your effective date.

This could result in thousands of dollars in retroactive payments.

When Should You File an Intent to File?

You should file an Intent to File if:

You are preparing to submit a new claim but need time to gather medical records or service documents.
You are reopening a previously denied claim and want to preserve the earliest possible effective date.
You are applying for an increased rating for an already service-connected condition.
You are filing a survivor’s claim (such as for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation).

How to File an Intent to File

There are three main ways to file an Intent to File with the VA:

1. Online via VA.gov

This is the quickest and most reliable method.

Steps:

Visit VA.gov.
Sign in using your DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or ID.me credentials.
Navigate to the Disability Compensation section.
Begin a new claim by clicking “File a claim for compensation”.
Starting the application automatically creates an Intent to File—even if you don’t finish the full application right away.