Intent to File Date not Honored

The VA incorrectly assigned the effective date; the Intent to File (ITF) from June 2025 should establish the effective date for any granted conditions, not the December 2025 formal claim date, as an ITF preserves an effective date for up to one year per 38 CFR 3.155(b). The VA’s reasoning that his retirement affects this is likely a misapplication of the law regarding claims filed within one year of separation, which grant an effective date of the day after separation (38 CFR 3.400), but this does not negate the ITF—it should still be used to establish the earliest permissible date within all applicable rules. To correct this, you must file a disagreement specifically requesting an "Earlier Effective Date" based on the ITF; this is not an appeal of the disability decision itself but a clear error in the effective date calculation. Submit a **Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim** (VA Form 20-0995) immediately, within one year of the decision notice, and explicitly cite the June 2025 ITF, reference 38 CFR 3.155 and 3.400, and include a copy of the ITF confirmation. If the claim remains denied, you may need to appeal, citing case law like *Moody v. Wilkie*, which holds that an ITF is valid for any benefit claimed later. **Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice; for personal guidance on your claim, consult an accredited VA attorney or claims agent.**