Veterans’ “intent to file” (ITFs) for disability compensation claims reached a record high last year. In hopes of an effort to unlock substantial backdated compensation, these ITFs are necessary given that they establish the earliest possible effective date for benefits. To take full advantage of this opportunity, you must complete your claim within a year of submitting your ITF. To help ensure you don’t miss anything, be aware of the following:
What is Intent to File?
An Intent to File is a formal notice stating your intention to file for specific benefits. By submitting an Intent to File, you can set a prospective start date for your benefits. This could allow you to receive retroactive payments, which cover the time between when we received your Intent to File and when your claim is officially approved.
You should submit an intent to file if you want to apply for:
• Disability Compensation
• Pension Benefits
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
This step ensures you take advantage of all potential incentives while processing your claim.
Duration for Completing Your Intent to File
After the day on which you submitted your ITF, you have precisely 365 days or one year to complete and submit your full claim. To be able to guarantee the earliest feasible effective date and optimize your possible retroactive benefits, you must meet this target.
Impact under the PACT Act
For PACT Act claims, you may qualify for retroactive payments starting from August 10, 2022—the day the PACT Act was signed into law—if you submitted your ITF on or before August 14, 2023. Your benefits could increase substantially as a result of this.
What About Non-PACT Claims?
Benefits that are retroactive for non-PACT claims typically start on the day your ITF was filed. This might be worth thousands of dollars, depending on your case’s particulars.
Checking Your ITF Status
Log in to your VA.gov account through Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet to stay updated on the status of your ITF and complete the claim. You can make one at no cost if you don’t have one yet. After signing in:
- Click the “My VA” dashboard.
- Go to the “Track Claims” area to view an overview of your ITFs and claims.
- To view comprehensive details regarding your claim and any supporting data, click the “View Status” button.
Does Filing Now Seem Too Late?
There is no deadline for filing an ITF or claim. A VA-accredited representative can guide you in submitting your claim, or you can do it in person at a VA regional office or online at VA.gov. You can also get help by faxing 844-531-7818 or calling 1-800-827-1000. Remember that the VA will never charge you for helping you submit or handle a claim.
What If You Miss the One-year Mark?
Your claim can still be submitted even if the one-year time limit lapses. However, the date on which your benefits go into effect could alter, which could have an impact on how much compensation you get in the past.
Click the VA’s Intent to File website to learn more about ITFs and how to finish your claim. To guarantee you all the advantages you are entitled to, take action immediately.
Campaign Veterans of America: Expert Assistance with Your Intent to File
Submitting an Intent to File (ITF) is vital to securing the benefits you deserve, but navigating the process can be complex and challenging. That’s where Campaign Veterans of America comes in. Our professional team of experts is equipped to guide you through each step, ensuring that your ITF is submitted accurately and on time.
Having a specialist manage your ITF can assist you on how to:
- Avoid Mistakes: Proper filing will help you avoid delays or complications with your claim.
- Maximize Benefits: Our consultants ensure that all necessary information is presented, which could result in higher retroactive payouts.
- Streamline the Process: We provide clarity and help to make the entire process easier and less stressful.
Allow Campaign Veterans of America to assist you in receiving the benefits you have earned. Contact us today for experienced advice on your intent to file.