Operation Veterans Edge - Onboarding

Intent to File

Need to create your Intent to File? (2–3 minutes)

This step protects your back pay date, so complete this before moving forward.

👉 Start here:

https://www.va.gov/supporting-forms-for-claims/intent-to-file-form-21-0966/introduction

Already have an Intent to File?

• Upload a screenshot or PDF showing your Intent to File date

• If you don’t have access to it, you can start the process again using the link above

• The VA will show your existing Intent to File and the date

• Take a screenshot/photo of that and upload it here

Step 1: Start the application

• Log into VA.gov

• Click to begin

Step 2: Select your status

• Choose:

  “I’m a Veteran, and I intend to file a VA claim for myself”

Step 3: Select benefit type

• Choose Compensation

• If asked about pension → select No

Step 4: Enter basic info

• Fill out your personal information

• Click Continue through the next steps

Step 5: You’re done once the application is started

• After completing the first few steps, your Intent to File is automatically created

• You can exit the application at that point

⚠️ Important:

If you are asked to enter specific conditions or disabilities, you are in the wrong form.

You only need to start the application—not complete a full claim.

What to upload:

• A screenshot or PDF showing your Intent to File date

• It must clearly show:

  • Your name (or account)

  • The date