Last year, more Veterans submitted their “intent to file” (ITF) for benefits claims than ever before. These ITFs are disability compensation claims that Veterans started, but didn’t finish, and they’re an important tool because they help Veterans preserve their earliest possible effective date for their benefits claim, which makes them potentially eligible for backdated benefits.
If you submitted an ITF last year, you must act fast. You only have 365 days from when you submitted your ITF to complete it. Here’s everything you need to know about ITFs and submitting your full claim:
How long do I have to finish my intent to file?
You must finish your intent to file—and submit your complete claim—within 365 days of submitting to preserve the earliest possible effective date for your benefits.
What does this mean under the PACT Act?
If we grant your benefits under the PACT Act and you submitted your intent to file on or before Aug. 14, 2023, you may be eligible for retroactive benefits dating back to Aug. 10, 2022—the date PACT Act was signed into law.
What does this mean for non-PACT claims?
If we grant your benefits, we’ll provide benefits that likely will date back to at least the date when you began your intent to file. We call this retroactive benefits (or backdated benefits). And this could be thousands of dollars.
How do I check the status of my ITF?
The quickest and easiest way to check the status of your PACT Act claim is to sign into your va.gov account with your existing Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon or My HealtheVet account. If you don’t have any of these accounts, you can create a free Login.gov or ID.me account. Once you are signed into your account, simply follow these three steps to check the status of your PACT Act claim.
- Go to your “My VA” dashboard. You will find the link for this dashboard in the top right corner of the page once you’re signed in.
- Scroll down to the “Track Claims” section. There, you will see a summary of the latest status information for any open claims or appeals you may have, to include open ITFs.
- Click on the “View Status” button for a specific claim. You’ll go to a page with more details about that claim’s status and supporting evidence. Evidence may include documents like doctor’s reports or medical test results.
Is it too late to file a claim if I haven’t already?
It’s never too late to file a claim or ITF for the benefits you deserve. You can file one by logging into, or creating, a VA.gov account and submitting online. You can also submit to a VA regional office near you, or work with a trained professional, like a VA accredited representative or VSO, to get help filing a claim for disability compensation. Other options include calling 1-800-827-1000 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST or by fax using 844-531-7818.
Will I be charged for submitting a claim or intent to file?
No. Remember, VA will never charge you for assistance filing for benefits. They are your benefits, and you earned them. To protect yourself from predatory claims agents, you have the right to verify anyone’s credentials before filing a claim or providing personal information.
If I miss the one-year deadline, what happens?
You can still finish your claim anytime, and we encourage you to do so. The only thing that may change is the effective date of your benefits.
For more information about ITFs, visit https://www.va.gov/resources/your-intent-to-file-a-va-claim/.
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After a Veteran passes away, family members should report the death of the Veteran to VA as soon as possible to stop current benefits payments. If the death is not reported promptly, survivors or executors of the Veteran’s estate may have to repay any overpayments received.
I have filed a claim in regards to my husbands death. Have not recieved any reply
My question is that when I got out of the service, I filed a few claims that they gave me 0 , can I file these
claims again since they are now much worse with pain. Please advise me on what to do now.
Learn what to do if you want to request more benefits or have new evidence to support a claim we denied in the past by visiting https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/
We need help I don’t under stand what we need to do. We don’t want to get something we don’t deserve but we do need help
If you served, you may be entitled to benefits that you have earned. Please apply, let us review your information, and give you a decision. We encourage you to apply today by visiting: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
Do you have to be service connected. To get ITF.
An intent to file sets a potential start date (or effective date) for your benefits. You may notify us of your intent to file if you plan to file a claim or a Supplemental Claim for Disability Compensation, Pension, and Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits. To begin the process, visit: https://www.va.gov/resources/your-intent-to-file-a-va-claim/
What’s happening with my claim
Get step-by-step instructions on how to check your status by visiting https://www.va.gov/resources/how-to-check-your-va-claim-appeal-or-decision-review-status-online/
I have Tinnitus and hearing problems. I was told I could not get benefits for both. However, it’s possible to have one without having both. If I am affected independently, what’s the problem with having benefits?
There is a pending proposal to update the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities, which can be read in more detail here: https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-proposes-updates-to-rating-schedule-for-respiratory-auditory-and-mental-disorders/
The proposal will evaluate tinnitus (ringing in the ears) as a symptom of the underlying disease which caused it, rather than as a stand-alone disability. Until this change takes effect, VA will continue evaluating tinnitus and hearing loss separately.
It’s important to keep in mind: No change to a Veteran’s current rating would occur due to these proposed changes. If the proposed changes are finalized, Veterans who currently receive compensation for a service-connected condition can apply for increased compensation, but no reductions shall be made unless an improvement in the Veteran’s disability is shown to have occurred.
All this “mambo-jumbo” and I Still don’t understand what you are talking about……. Been retired since 2003….
Does this increase my retirement income/ compensation amount or what…..??????
The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
To apply, visit: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
I signed up at the Waterloo Rd VA last year have heard nothing beginning to think it is all a joke.
Did you file a claim or an Intent to File? After you notify us of your intent to file, you have 1 year to complete and file your claim.
If you filed a claim and have not yet received a reply, please send an email to our secure mailbox (DIGITALMEDIA.VBACO@VA.GOV) with your full name, DOB, and contact phone number. We will request an expedited review of your claim.
In the date of 02/22/1991..at the age of 30 years .My sona US. Marne Corps was death .After serving for 3 years as a Marine Police Officer.An after serving as a Police Officcer in the Long Beach,Ca. Veterans Hospital. where he Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus Dehabney Symdrome Type 1 Desease. And toxoplasmosis of Brain. On jun/6/2023 .I fill all Documents ,Like Birth Certificate,Certificate of Death from the Kansas Department of Hearth and Environment Office Vital Stadistics.By Certified Mail,To: Jonesville WI 53547.With all Requested Documents .Since June 6, 2023..No responce i have recived from the VA . I am a Homeless Father who s son died in circunstances no one knows . He had promised me . Thatas soon as he got out of the military he would carefor a home . Those words are gone with him…And the Veterans Administration .If i knew the Veterans Departmens didnot care abboutthere Veterans , I never would let him joined the Marines ….or any other Department..!!
Please send an email to our secure mailbox (DIGITALMEDIA.VBACO@VA.GOV) with your full name and contact phone number as well as your son’s full name and DOB. We will request an expedited review of your claim.
I have high blood pressure secondary to hepatitis B when I was in Viet Nam.
Review Vietnam era eligibility for PACT benefits by visiting https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/#vietnam-era-veteran-eligibilit
I need help with what to file for the va it self is no help and some companies want to charge 2800 $ to fill forms with no guarantee
You can receive assistance from an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO). Keep in mind that the services an accredited VSO representative provides on your VA benefit claims are always free. But an accredited attorney or claims agent can charge you fees for their services.
To search for a representative close to you, please visit https://www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/
This is too confusing
You don’t have to go through the application process alone. You can receive assistance from an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO). Keep in mind that the services an accredited VSO representative provides on your VA benefit claims are always free. But an accredited attorney or claims agent can charge you fees for their services.
To search for a representative close to you, please visit https://www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/
Hola yo hace años puse un clain y nunca recibi respuesta a mi me sacaron del army national guar en el 2003 por early retiremen progran y me pusieron un pulhes 411111 y me dijeron de un medical dis hage que nunca llego.gracias
It’s a total shame that the military loses my medical records. And there is lack of support for veterans. NO TYPE OF HELP TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE, UNHAPPY VETERAN.
Does the recent Supreme Court ruling #23-21 Harrow ver DOD have anything to do with missing a 1 year time to appeal a denial?
I am not looking for backpay, disability. All I would like is for a determination to be able to receive hearing Aids from the VA?
All Veterans enrolled in the VA health care are eligible for medical services that include diagnostic audiology. Audiology Services (face-to-face or via telehealth) are found in over 500 sites of care in the VA health care system including medical centers, outpatient clinics and community based outpatient clinics. More information can be found by contacting your local VA health care facility and/or visiting https://www.rehab.va.gov/audiology/
I had submitted a request for a hearing test to determine if I was eligible for the VA to provide me with hearing aids; but I NEver received a response.
Ask your primary doctor for a referral
How do I find out if I qualify?
Eligibility and application information can be found by visiting https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/
I received an answer on previous claim and do not agree
If you disagree with a VA benefit or claim decision, you can choose from 3 decision review options (Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal) to continue your case. If you aren’t satisfied with the results of the first option you choose, you can try another eligible option.
Specific information about decision review options can be found by visiting https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/
I can’t believe how easy it is to fill out a claim.they even give a chance to Finnish
the claim another day..self explanatory step by step no confusion and i’m old
school Vietnam vet.still working on it..
The VA’s ad campaign is very misleading and disingenuous. Even with medical documentation, medical opinions from VA physicians and diagnosis to support PACT claim, and dates of service in Iraq that meet the PACT Act requirements I have now been denied twice for conditions that meet the presumptive requirement. It is almost as if the “evaluators” making the decision are instructed to deny a certain percentage of claims.
If you disagree with a VA benefit or claim decision, you can choose from 3 decision review options (Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal) to continue your case. If you aren’t satisfied with the results of the first option you choose, you can try another eligible option.
Specific information about decision review options can be found by visiting https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/
Please send an email to our secure mailbox (DIGITALMEDIA.VBACO@VA.GOV) with your full name, DOB, and contact phone number. We can also request a higher-level review of your claim.
Sure seems that to refile is bullsh-t…no one listens or even reads claims..at least in my case…my feet have been getting worse…numb..because of diabetes and I have neuropathy diagnosed by a VA suggested doctor..so WTF…..y’all just waste veterans time and health
Please send us an email to our secure mailbox (DIGITALMEDIA.VBACO@VA.GOV) with your full name, DOB and contact phone number. We will request an escalated review of your claim.
Hello! I just received a 100% rating in May 2024, up from 60% previously (profoundly deaf and partially blind, among other things). The notice said the effective date was Oct. 29, 2023. The VA did give some backpay for November and December 2023 (the difference between 60 and 100%), and began the full payment in May 2024. However, there was no backpay for Jan. Feb., Mar. or April 2024. I sent an inquiry to askVA, and the answer was “The case is closed”. Is this correct? Who do I ask to recalculate? Thank you!
[Editor: The claim decision letter should state the reason for the effective date. It should also have information on who to contact for questions. You can also try https://ask.va.gov/ ]
As a veteran, I have been through a lot of suffering. Physical and mentally, till today I suffered for 7 years with a 20% rating. As years passed myl life from the 30s was taken away for $200/mo. I’m 40 and my injuries are getting worse. My mental health fades as I only got a 30% upgrade making my injurys worth only $500. I am slowly losing my ability to walk.
But it’s clear, the past cannot be changed. But the future can. While many of you have reached the 100%. And has the ability to walk. In my eyes you are lucky. In my eyes. But we shouldn’t focus on ourselves. Let’s start focusing on finding solutions! Life isn’t about the Fall it’s about helping others rise up. Giving up My legs isn’t worth $500 a month. But I’m finding every solution to make a change. The VA had a late start to realize. But I respect that they are fixing their mistakes, are leading from the front. I believe we should give them a chance.
If they don’t keep their words, then it’s our turn to fix our mistakes. We do what soldiers are trained to do.
I dont understand why the soldiers getting out of the service today are being told to file a claim for disability for anything when i was released from service after serving in Vietnam for 19 months and being sprayed with agent orange and other items i only went to the VA when i started to really having problems and was rated at 100%disability my question is why just because i was not instructed to report my fears at the time i was discharged from service. My question is why have i not had my disability been back dated to when i was discharged the way soldiers are receiving their claims today. I have lived with my problems for so many years as well as many other returning vets from Vietnam that didnt get the orientation at the time of discharge. Yes i am asking the question will you review the facts and do the right thing. I will be waiting for a comment. Thank you for your time Richard E Fisher
You may contact us at 1 800-827-1000 or check out https://www.va.gov/contact-us/
You can also schedule an appointment with a VA representative at your local Regional Office using https://va.my.site.com/VAVERA/s/
We may be able to look further into how to assist you and what the next steps may be for your situation.
I’ve gotten screwed so often that I’ve basically given up. My old advisor who helped me fill out the paperwork isn’t available any more, and I cant find anyone to help. I am now looking to find legal help in getting things moving. DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A LEGAL TEAM THAT WILL HELP. I am in SW MO.
You can search for an accredited representative in your area by visiting https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp
Good info for those who do not know about this.
I did know about this and received back benefit of thousands of dollars. Don’t cheat yourself and get an Appl in ASAP or sooner. Then if you are eligible don’t forget about the back pay. If you don’t the money just forward it to me. (ha ha)
If I just figured out what is wrong with myself by reading pages and pages can I reapply for disability, it’s been 10 years plus?
You can absolutely submit a supplemental claim for disability, regardless of how long it’s been since first filing or leaving the military. Select the drop-down for Supplemental Claim on this page: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/
I’m a Vietnam Vet & file for disability on March 17 2022 but something went wrong with the computer. It was either the VFW OR the VA computer. Had to go back on January 17 2024 to fill same paperwork out.
Made all my medical appointments on time. Got a letter from the VA giving me only 20% disability, I was stationed aboard the Coral Sea CVA 43 down in the boilrroom and surrounded by everything that’s hazardous to the body and lungs. Need Little help before I go talk to my VSO.
You may contact us at 1 800-827-1000 or check out https://www.va.gov/contact-us/
You can also schedule an appointment with a VA representative at your local Regional Office using https://va.my.site.com/VAVERA/s/
We may be able to look further into how to assist you and what the next steps may be.
Thr VA still owes me backpay that they refuse to give. I completed an intent to file, then the VA lied and said I did not go to my C and P exam. My claim expired but I should’ve recieved an extention due to COVID policy. I requested a review and it was still denied. If the VA didn’t Lie about my exam, I would have my backpay.
You can schedule an appointment with a VA representative at your local Regional Office using https://va.my.site.com/VAVERA/s/ They should be able to look further into how to assist you and what the next steps may be.
I have received my disability increase last June 2023 I only received 5 months back pay. Filed lawyer appeal last July 23 with VSO letter of confirmation that I was eligible under the law. That was sent Dec 2023 for back dated pay to Aug 9 2022. When can I expect the other 5 months1 year now in July???? Gary M Carpenter
You can schedule a virtual appointment with a VA representative at your local Regional Office using https://va.my.site.com/VAVERA/s/ They should be able to look further into your claim and see where the error may have occurred.
I am finding submitting a claim on the va.gov site to be very difficult, I have tried numerous times prior to the PACT ACT, and several times within the past year as well. I was never issued a “key code” in which I need in order to proceed. Is there someone in my local area (Lancaster PA) to help with this?
https://www.dmva.pa.gov/veteransaffairs/Documents/Veterans%20Service%20Officers/Veteran%20Service%20Officers%20Contact%20Information%20January%202021.pdf
Hope this helps.
Hello Mr. Kintzer, If you’re attempting to use Login.gov and do not have your 16-digit personal key, this link should be able to assist you in resetting it. https://login.gov/help/trouble-signing-in/forgot-your-personal-key/
If you’re attempting to use another login method, please send an email to DIGITALMEDIA.VBACO@VA.GOV and we will work to further assist you.
The info was helpful; however I need more. Info.
No matter how your file they always say no or give you less when you are rated
What is ED stand for. A veteran told me to file for ED. But really didn’t know what it mean.
Erectile Dysfunction
I need an assistant to help in re-filing my disability claim for an increase, since I am having so many problems with my medical condition. it was refused about 1 t0 2 years ago, and I was about to just forget it, but anther veteran said I should pursue it, so I definitely need representation. .
You can find accredited representatives and Veterans Service Organizations who can assist you by visiting https://www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/
What does one do for over $1000 in unpaid Beneficiary Travel claims through the PHX VA?? It will be 1 year in June.
Please contact the Hines VA Beneficiary Travel Department at 708-202-2568. Alternatively, you can contact the VA’s Beneficiary Travel toll-free call center at 855-574-7292, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
I received 70% for my PTSD claim last year, I’m ever so grateful. I’ve also got severe hearing loss in my left ear and prior to the PTSD I received 10% for Tenitus. I’d like to reapply for hearing loss but have been told I could possibly lose my 70% if I reapply for hearing loss. I’m currently using my deceased cousin’s hearing aids in order to have everyday involvement. What are my chances in doing so?
You may file for an additional condition not in connection to another disability at any time. Filing for a NEW condition will not decrease your combined percentage, if denied. To file a claim for a new condition, please visit https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/
you can file claims and provide medical evidence but the VBA cannot read and every claim no matter what evidence is provided gets sent to a “contractor” for a C&P or a medical opinion. Depending on where you live, the “contractor” may not have any providers with knowledge of your claimed condition so warning you may need to be up for a fight.
It’s my opinion that their contractors are not proficient or competent enough to be making arbitrary decisions.
I made the earliest appointment available with a VA Representative in order to complete my paperwork. The earliest appointment is 21 August 2024.
Hello, you may begin an Intent to File and complete your claim with assistance from a VA representative. You may begin an Intent to File today by visiting https://www.va.gov/resources/your-intent-to-file-a-va-claim/
Btw, Veterans should be able to get assistance at their closest embassy or consulate.
In January I956, was drafted into the Army; and had to leave my place of employment.
Upon being honorably discharged from my active term of duty, I went back to get my job back as promised to me, by the U.S. government.
When I went back to my company, they told me they laid loads of people off while I was in the service; but, they couldn’t lay me off because I was in the Army, and they did not know my where to send me a lay off slip. Therefore, I didn’t receive a lay-off slip; and I didn’t get my job back which was guaranteed to me by my government.
Being it has ben so long since the lay-off, they couldn’t give me a lay-off slip. This meant that I was not only out of a job, but, I couldn’t collect unemployment. I personally went to the Philadelphia Veterans Administration in Philadelphia for help, and to my legislator; and they told me that there was nothing they could do for me. They said I fell through a loop hole.
Under the ITF (Intent To File) aren’t I eligible for compensation due me?
[Editor: Disability compensation is for an injury or medical condition you incurred or aggravated during active service. An ITF is a note to VA that you intend, within the following 365 days, to submit a claim for disability compensation.]
What’s the Freaking point,, You A–holes just Denied every Claim I made,, askfor more Evidence,, You have ALL my medical files just like me,,
Agreed!!!!
I was denied PTSD because my symptoms didn’t start until AFTER I got out of the service!?!?
I work in healthcare and see undocumented illegals getting faster and easier healthcare then I can.
Isn’t that why its called POST traumatic Stress?!?
Im so fed up!!!!
I just learned vba and va are two separate entities the right hand does not talk to the left hand
[Editor: VA is the department, headed by the President’s cabinet secretary. Within VA are three “divisions”: health, non-health benefits, and mortuary affairs. They are named VHA, VBA, NCA. You could say they are fingers of the same hand, and most/many VBA offices are co-located with VHA medical centers.]