🧠 Reddit Q&A Highlights: Intent-to-File Confusion
Excerpt:
The VA gives you a way to protect your backpay — and yet, every week someone on Reddit posts that they missed the deadline. Here’s how to stop that from happening to you.
🔥 Why This Keeps Coming Up
You file an Intent to File (ITF) to lock in your effective date. But if you don’t complete the claim within 365 days, the VA won’t care what you “meant to do.”
On Reddit, we’ve seen it all:
- “My VSO said they submitted it.”
- “I thought it auto-submitted when I started the application.”
- “I didn’t know I had to do a new one.”
One thread even asked, “Do I need a new ITF for each condition?”
No. One intent covers everything — as long as you file it under the right benefit category (comp, pension, survivor).
🧵 Common Misunderstandings (and Fixes)
| ❌ What Reddit Said | ✅ Reality |
|---|---|
| “I thought you had to mail it in.” | Nope. Do it online and you’ll get confirmation instantly. |
| “I missed the 1-year deadline but my VSO says I’m good.” | Unless it’s pending in the system, you’re probably not. |
| “I filed an intent for back pain — can I add knees?” | Yes. The intent doesn’t have to list every condition. Just file the claim in time. |
📎 What the VA Actually Says
“You must submit a completed claim within one year from the date the VA receives your intent to file. Otherwise, you may not qualify for backdated benefits.” — VA.gov
Key form: VA Form 21-0966 – Intent to File
🛠️ How to Not Get Screwed
- Use VA.gov — it’s faster and gives you proof
- Use Form 21-0966 if you’re filing by mail
- Save your confirmation number or timestamp
- Don’t wait for your doctor or VSO — file the ITF first, then gather your evidence
💬 Real Talk from Veterans
“I waited for my VSO to file it. They forgot. I lost 8 months of backpay.”
“You can submit an ITF in 2 minutes. Do it today, then breathe.”
✅ Bottom Line
- One ITF per benefit type. Not per condition.
- 365 days. No excuses.
- If you don’t submit the full claim in time, the VA won’t hold your spot.
Next: He Looks Fine to Me — 3 Myths That Harm Disabled Veterans →
