(Photo: https://www.zuko.io/)
Veterans who submitted an Intent to File for VA disability benefits last year must act quickly, as they have only 365 days from the submission date to complete their ITF.
Over the past year, a record number of Veterans initiated ITFs for benefits claims. These ITFs represent the starting point for disability compensation claims that Veterans began but have not yet completed. Securing the earliest possible effective date for benefits claims is crucial, as it can make Veterans eligible for backdated benefits.
Importance of Completing ITF
To maintain the earliest possible effective date, Veterans must complete their ITF and submit their full claim within 365 days of the initial submission. If the VA approves the claim and the ITF was submitted on or before August 14, 2023, Veterans may qualify for retroactive benefits dating back to August 10, 2022, when the PACT Act was signed into law.
For more information about ITFs, visit the VA’s web page at VA ITF Resource.
Retroactive Benefits
When the VA grants benefits, they usually date back to the day the ITF was filed. These retroactive benefits, also known as backdated benefits, can amount to thousands of dollars. Missing the one-year deadline means Veterans can still complete and submit their claim, but the effective date of their benefits may change.
Filing a Claim
It’s never too late for Veterans to file a claim or an ITF. Veterans can submit an ITF by logging into or creating an account on VA.gov and submitting it online. Other options include visiting a VA regional office, seeking assistance from a VA-accredited representative or Veterans Service Organization, VSO, such at The American Legion. Accredited American Legion Service Officers are specially trained to provide expert assistance, free of charge, to Veterans and their families.
Checking Claim Status
Veterans can quickly and easily check the status of their claim by signing into their VA.gov account with an existing Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet account. If they don’t have one of these accounts, they can create a free Login.gov or ID.me account. Once signed in, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the “My VA” dashboard in the top right corner of the page.
- Scroll down to the “Track Claims” section to see the latest status information for any open claims or appeals, including ITFs.
- Click on the “View Status” button for a specific claim to view detailed status information and supporting evidence, such as doctor’s reports or medical test results.
Free Assistance and Protection
The VA and American Legion do not charge Veterans for assistance with filing benefits claims. These benefits are earned through service. To protect against predatory claims agents, Veterans have the right to verify anyone’s credentials before filing a claim or providing personal information.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
