Quick answer. An intent to file sets a potential start date for your VA benefits, and VA says that after you notify it you have 1 year to complete and file the claim. Filing is free. Accredited Veterans Service Organization representatives never charge for help with your claim, and VA says not to pay anyone to file an initial claim.
Find the date one year after your intent to file
Enter the date to see when the 1-year window ends and two reminder dates.
What an intent to file does
VA's page says an intent to file "sets a potential start date (or effective date) for your benefits." After you notify VA, you have 1 year to complete and file your claim, and once you file the completed claim, the intent to file is no longer active.
- Which claims. Disability compensation, pension and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). You need a separate intent to file for each benefit type.
- Automatic ones. Starting the online disability compensation claim, a Supplemental Claim for disability, or the online pension application while signed in creates an intent to file automatically. A DIC application doesn't.
- How to submit. Online on VA.gov, by phone (TTY 711, weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern), or on VA Form 21-0966 by mail.
- Keep proof. VA's page doesn't say how you'll be told it was received, so save any confirmation, write down the date and who you spoke with, and keep a copy of the form.
Documents VA says a disability claim needs
VA lists what it needs, which you can send or give VA permission to gather:
- Discharge papers: your DD214 or other separation documents.
- Service records: your service treatment records.
- Medical evidence related to the illness or injury, such as doctors' reports, X-rays and medical test results.
- Supporting statements (lay evidence): written statements from you or someone who knows about your condition, on plain paper, VA Form 21-10210 or VA Form 21-4138.
For an original claim, VA says the evidence must show a current physical or mental disability, an event, injury or disease during active-duty service, and a link between the two.
Getting a copy of your DD214
VA's records page lists three ways: the National Archives' eVetRecs tool online (sign in with an identity-verified ID.me account), DOD's milConnect website if you were discharged after certain dates (for example, after October 1, 2002 for the Army), or Standard Form 180 by mail or fax to the address on the form's last page.
Free help from accredited representatives
VA recognizes three kinds of accredited representatives: Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representatives, attorneys and claims agents. VA says an accredited VSO representative's help with your claims is "always free." Accredited attorneys and claims agents may charge fees only after VA has decided your initial claim, and only with a signed fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a on file. To appoint a VSO you use VA Form 21-22. Search for a representative with VA's find a representative tool before you share personal information.
Watch out for claim sharks
This section only repeats what VA and the Federal Trade Commission say.
- VA: "Claims predators are 'bad actors' that try to unlawfully charge Veterans a fee to 'help' process claims with VA." VA says they often promise faster processing and higher ratings in exchange for high fees.
- VA: "You should never pay a fee to file an initial claim for benefits," and "No one can promise or guarantee a VA disability rating or an accelerated claims processing time."
- VA: never sign a contract to pay an unauthorized person or company a percentage of your benefit payment.
- FTC (July 2026): "The VA will never charge you to apply for benefits." Accredited representatives and recognized VSOs won't charge you either. Use VA's accreditation search to make sure the person helping you is approved by VA.
- FTC: say no to pressure to act fast, to anyone who pressures you to move money around to qualify for a benefit, and to lump-sum offers in exchange for future payments.
- To report: VSAFE.gov or 833-38V-SAFE (1-833-388-7233) for a representative who may have acted unlawfully, and ReportFraud.ftc.gov plus your state attorney general for scams.
Keeping your own records
A claim can take a while, and questions come up months later. A simple symptom and appointment log, a list of the documents you sent and when, and a log of every call and letter make it easier to answer consistently and find a paper quickly. Write the date, the person's name and what was said, and keep copies of everything you send.
This guide organizes paperwork. It doesn't say what you are entitled to or what rating to expect, and it isn't legal advice. An accredited representative or VA can answer questions about your claim.
Official sources
- VA: Your intent to file a VA claim
- VA: Evidence needed for your disability claim
- VA: Request your military service records (including DD214)
- VA: Get help from a VA accredited representative or VSO
- VA: Accredited representative FAQs
- VA: Protecting Veterans from fraud
- VA (DigitalVA): Predatory practices
- FTC consumer alert: Veterans, don't pay to apply for VA benefits (July 2026)
- FTC: Veterans pension and disability benefits
Checked November 2026.
General information checked November 2026 against the official sources above. It is an organizer and checklist, not legal, benefits, immigration, tax or financial advice, and it never decides what you qualify for: the agency does. MCC Solutions is not affiliated with SSA, VA, USCIS, the Department of Justice or the State of New Jersey. The tool on this page runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent or saved.
Common questions
Does it cost anything to file a VA claim?
No. The FTC says the VA will never charge you to apply for benefits, and VA says accredited VSO representatives' help with your claims is always free.
How long do I have after an intent to file?
VA says you have 1 year to complete and file your claim after you notify VA of your intent to file. Go by the date on VA's record.
Do I need a separate intent to file for each benefit?
Yes. VA's page says you need a separate intent to file for disability compensation, pension and DIC. Some online forms create one automatically; a DIC application doesn't.
When can an attorney or claims agent charge a fee?
VA says only after it has decided your initial claim, with a signed fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a. VSO representatives don't charge.
How do I check that someone is accredited?
Use VA's find a representative tool or the Office of General Counsel accreditation search before you share personal information. The FTC says a person saying they're an attorney or from a VSO is not enough.
What if someone promises a higher rating for a fee?
VA says no one can promise or guarantee a rating or faster processing. You can report it at VSAFE.gov or 833-38V-SAFE, and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Related free pages
- Deployment and Military Move Kit: pre-deployment paperwork, the PCS timeline and a tracker for who holds which document.
- Notary help for military and overseas families
- Signing a durable power of attorney
- Family Emergency Binder: keep service records, benefit letters and contacts together.
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