The VA Intent to File (ITF) allows veterans or dependents to notify the VA that they will file a claim for benefits. This preserves the effective date of the claim for up to one year from the submission of the ITF and allows time to gather evidence for the claim. An ITF can be filed using VA Form 21-0996 and can be submitted to the VA using eBenefits, by calling the VA at (800) 827-1000, or by contacting an accredited representative.
