Last year, a record number of Veterans submitted their “Intent to File” (ITF) for benefits claims. These ITFs are incomplete disability compensation claims that Veterans have initiated but not yet finalized. ITFs play a crucial role in securing the earliest possible effective date for a benefits claim, making Veterans potentially eligible for backdated benefits.
If you submitted an ITF last year, it’s important to act promptly. You have 365 days from the date of submission to complete your claim. Here’s what you need to know about ITFs and the process of submitting your full claim:
How long do I have to complete my Intent to File?
You have 365 days from the date of your ITF submission to finalize and submit your full claim. Doing so preserves the earliest possible effective date for your benefits.
What does this mean under the PACT Act?
If your benefits are granted under the PACT Act and you submitted your ITF on or before August 14, 2023, you could be eligible for retroactive benefits dating back to August 10, 2022, the date the PACT Act was signed into law.
What does this mean for non-PACT claims?
If your benefits are approved, they may be backdated to the date you first filed your ITF. This could result in receiving retroactive benefits, potentially amounting to thousands of dollars.
How can I check the status of my ITF?
To check the status of your PACT Act claim, log into your VA.gov account using your Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one for free through Login.gov or ID.me. Once logged in, follow these steps:
- Go to your “My VA” dashboard, accessible from the top right corner of the page.
- Scroll down to the “Track Claims” section to see a summary of your open claims or appeals, including open ITFs.
- Click the “View Status” button for detailed information about a specific claim, including supporting evidence like doctor’s reports or medical test results.
Is it too late to file a claim if I haven’t already?
It’s never too late to file a claim or ITF for your benefits. You can submit a claim online by logging into or creating a VA.gov account, visiting a VA regional office, or working with a VA-accredited representative or Veterans Service Organization (VSO). Alternatively, you can call 1-800-827-1000 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST) or fax your submission to 844-531-7818.
Will I be charged for submitting a claim or Intent to File?
No. VA will never charge you for assistance with filing your benefits claims. These benefits are rightfully yours. To safeguard against predatory claims agents, always verify credentials before filing a claim or sharing personal information.
What if I miss the one-year deadline?
Even if you miss the one-year deadline, you can still complete your claim. However, missing the deadline may affect the effective date of your benefits.
For more information about ITFs, visit VA’s official ITF resource page.
