Preserve a Potential Effective Date with Intent to File
Establishing an official Intent to File preserves your potential effective date for up to 1 year while you gather medical records and complete your claim.
Preserve a Potential Effective Date with Intent to File
Under 38 CFR § 3.155, establishing an official Intent to File date can preserve your potential effective date for up to 1 year while you gather medical evidence and prepare your formal disability compensation claim.
Online Application Initiation
Starting an online application (VA Form 21-526EZ) on VA.gov automatically establishes your Intent to File date. A separate VA Form 21-0966 is not universally required when you begin your claim online.
When Form 21-0966 Applies
VA Form 21-0966 is specifically utilized when submitting an Intent to File by mail, fax, or in person at a VA regional office, or when establishing an effective date before initiating the online application system.
Step 2 Action Checklist:
Starting an online application on VA.gov automatically creates an Intent to File. VA Form 21-0966 can also be submitted by mail, fax, or in person, but is not universally required when applying online.
Save your submission confirmation or online receipt and note the exact date recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
You have up to 1 year from your Intent to File date to submit your completed formal claim (VA Form 21-526EZ) to preserve that potential effective date.
Non-Decisional Educational Analysis
This roadmap provides educational analysis based on published Title 38 CFR regulations. RatingScope does not adjudicate claims, assign disability ratings, or guarantee benefits. Official disability ratings and decisions are determined exclusively by the Department of Veterans Affairs.