When it comes to VA disability compensation, timing is everything. Filing the right paperwork at the right time can mean the difference between thousands of dollars in back pay—or losing it forever.

That’s where VA Form 21-0966, Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension, or Survivors Pension and/or DIC comes in. This short but powerful form protects your earliest effective date while you gather the evidence you need to file a complete claim.

At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we help veterans use this form strategically to maximize benefits and avoid costly mistakes. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is VA Form 21-0966 (Intent to File)?

The Intent to File is a simple one-page form that tells the VA:

“I’m planning to file for benefits, but I need more time to prepare.”

Filing it:

  • Protects your effective date for up to one year.

  • Locks in potential back pay starting from the date the VA receives your intent.

  • Gives you time to collect medical records, nexus letters, and evidence without rushing.

Why Is the Intent to File So Important?

Because the VA pays disability benefits retroactive to your effective date—not the date of diagnosis or when your condition began.

  • If you file a full claim today, your back pay only goes back to today.

  • If you file an Intent to File today, and then submit your completed claim six months from now, your back pay will still go back to today.

That difference can be thousands of dollars in tax-free payments.

How to File VA Form 21-0966

You can file an Intent to File three ways:

  1. Online: Through VA.gov or eBenefits.

  2. By Phone: Call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 and state your intent.

  3. By Mail: Complete VA Form 21-0966 and mail it to your VA Regional Office.

Once filed, you have 365 days to submit your completed claim (VA Form 21-526EZ or other relevant forms).

Examples of How Intent to File Works

Example 1:

  • A veteran submits an Intent to File on January 1.

  • They take six months to collect medical records.

  • They file their full claim on July 1.

  • If approved, their back pay starts January 1, not July 1.

Example 2:

  • A veteran has a worsening back condition. They’re not sure yet if they want to file.

  • They submit an Intent to File “just in case.”

  • Nine months later, the condition worsens, and they decide to file.

  • They’ve preserved nine months of back pay by having that Intent in place.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Missing the 1-year deadline: If you don’t file the full claim within a year, your intent expires, and you lose that back pay.

  • Not filing an Intent early enough: Waiting to gather evidence before submitting the Intent can cost you thousands. File the Intent first, then prepare.

  • Thinking Intent = Claim: The Intent only preserves your date—it does not itself award benefits. You must still complete the full claim.

FAQs About Intent to File

Q: Does filing an Intent to File guarantee approval?
No. It only protects your effective date. You must still submit a complete claim with evidence.

Q: Can I file multiple Intents at once?
Yes, but each Intent must specify the type of benefit (compensation, pension, or DIC).

Q: What if I miss the 1-year deadline?
You’ll need to file a new Intent to File, but your back pay will only go back to the new date.

Q: Should I file Intent even if I’m not 100% sure I’ll file a claim?
Yes. There’s no downside. Filing Intent “just in case” is smart—it costs nothing and protects your back pay.

Why NSLF

The VA system is built to confuse veterans—but that’s where we come in.

  • Veteran-Founded: Brett O’Brien, disabled Army veteran, created NSLF after his own fight with the VA.

  • Built by Disabled Veterans: Many of our attorneys and paralegals are veterans who’ve lived through this process.

  • Trusted Nationwide: We hold a 4.9-star rating on Google Reviews (read them here).

How Much Does It Cost?

We make it simple: you pay only if we win.

  • Initial appeals (HLR, Supplemental, NOD): Contingency—no fee unless you win back pay.

  • CAVC or advanced appeals: Percentage of past-due benefits awarded.

See our VA Disability Pricing page for more details.

Should You Hire a Lawyer for Intent to File?

Technically, you can file VA Form 21-0966 on your own. But the real value comes in how you strategically use it:

  • To preserve the earliest effective date.

  • To build a stronger evidence record without losing back pay.

  • To prevent VA errors or missed conditions.

Example:

  • Veteran files Intent but submits a sloppy claim with missing conditions.

  • They end up rated at 10% ($171/month).

  • With legal help, they could have included secondary conditions, gained 70% ($1,716/month), and preserved back pay to the Intent date.

That’s a difference of $1,545/month, tax-free, for life. Over 10 years, that’s $185,000+ in lost income.

Check out our guide: Do You Need a Lawyer for Your VA Disability Claim?

Additional Resources

For more guides on filing strategies, speeding up claims, and maximizing back pay, visit our VA Disability Education & Legal Strategy Center—the most complete resource hub for veterans online.

Final Thoughts – Don’t Wait

The Intent to File form is one of the most powerful tools in the VA system. Done right, it can preserve months—or even a year—of back pay. Done wrong, you could lose out on benefits permanently.

At National Security Law Firm, we make sure veterans use this form strategically to maximize every dollar they deserve. We’ve walked this path ourselves, and we’ll fight to make the process simple, clear, and successful for you.

National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.