What is a VA Intent to File and why does it matter?
Last verified August 1, 2026 · Reviewed by Esteban Magallon, VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Details
- An Intent to File is valid for one year from the date VA receives it. 38 CFR § 3.155(b).
- It can be submitted online, by phone with a VA representative, or on VA Form 21-0966.
- Filing a new Intent to File does not extend an existing one; the clock runs from the original.
- An Intent to File does not itself start any development — nothing happens until the substantive claim is filed.
Related
This is general educational information about VA claims — not legal or medical advice. Individual outcomes depend on the record. Oakridge Claims is a private VA-Accredited Claims Agent practice and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.