What Is An Intent To File
An intent to file tells VA you plan to file a claim.
It can set a potential start date for benefits if VA later approves that claim. It is not the claim.
After you submit an intent to file, you have one year to complete and file the actual application. After one year, that potential date expires.
This page is education. We do not submit an intent to file for you. We do not file claims.
If you are still in service
You do not have to wait until your last day. You can notify VA of your intent to file while you are still on active duty.
That is different from filing the claim itself.
180 to 90 days before you leave: You may be able to file a pre-discharge disability claim through VA’s Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. If you start that disability claim online, VA treats that as your intent to file. You do not need a separate 21-0966 for that same disability claim.
More than 180 days left, or you are not ready to file the claim: You can still submit an intent to file now, then complete the claim later. You have one year from the intent to file.
Fewer than 90 days left: You cannot use BDD. You can still file a disability claim before you separate, or submit an intent to file and finish the claim after you get out.
An intent to file does not start payments while you are still serving. It only helps set a potential start date if VA later approves a completed claim.
Pre-discharge claim (BDD): va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim
Path 1 — Online
Go to VA.gov and sign in.
Open the intent to file tool: va.gov/supporting-forms-for-claims/intent-to-file-form-21-0966
Or start a disability compensation application online. Starting that application notifies VA of your intent to file. You do not need a separate paper 21-0966 for that same disability application.
Save the confirmation. Screenshot or print it. That date matters.
Path 2 — Phone
Call VA at 800-827-1000 (TTY 711), Monday–Friday.
Say you want to submit an intent to file. Ask them to confirm it was recorded and write down any reference number.
Path 3 — Paper
Download VA Form 21-0966.
Mark the benefit type. Sign and date it.
Mail it to the address on the form (VA Evidence Intake Center).
Keep a copy.
What to know
This form only says you plan to file. Benefits still require a completed claim and a VA decision.
For pension or DIC, VA may still need Form 21-0966 even if you apply online. Read the notes on the VA page before you skip the form.
If you need help submitting it, use an accredited VSO, attorney, or claims agent. We are not that.
Your intent to file a VA claim: va.gov/resources/your-intent-to-file-a-va-claim
Submit an intent to file (21-0966): va.gov/supporting-forms-for-claims/intent-to-file-form-21-0966
This is education only. We do not file claims and we do not replace a VSO, attorney, or accredited representative.