Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension
Establishes an earlier effective date for your claim. Filing this form gives you one year to complete your full application while preserving your potential benefits start date.
Used in these claim stages:
Last updated by VA: January 1, 2024
How to Complete This Form
An Intent to File protects your effective date while you gather evidence for your claim.
1. Complete your personal information
2. Indicate what type of benefit you intend to claim
3. Sign and date the form
Once filed, you have ONE YEAR to submit your complete claim. If approved, benefits will be effective from the date of your Intent to File.
Helpful Tips
- File this FIRST before gathering evidence
- You can file online at VA.gov in seconds
- This protects potentially thousands of dollars in back pay
- Set a reminder to complete your claim before the year expires
- You don't need evidence to file - just your intent
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not filing at all and losing months of potential back pay
- Forgetting to submit the full claim within one year
- Not realizing you can file this online quickly
- Waiting to file until you have all evidence ready
Deadline Information
You have ONE YEAR from the date of filing to submit your complete claim (Form 21-526EZ).