THE VA DEADLINE VETERANS MISS EVERY JANUARY—AND THE MONEY AT STAKE
Every January, thousands of Veterans who filed an intent to file but haven’t yet completed their claims lose money they already earned, not because the VA denied their claim, but because a quiet benefits deadline expired without them realizing it.
The mistake is common. It’s procedural. And it’s expensive. Veterans file an intent to file, then life happens. Medical appointments stretch out. Records requests stall. Work, family, and health take priority. Twelve months pass in no time. And just like that, the VA can no longer use that earlier date to calculate your back pay.
The result is a permanent loss of retroactive compensation that, in many cases, amounts to tens of thousands of dollars.
The January VA Deadline Most Veterans Don’t Know Exists
An intent to file allows a Veteran to notify the VA that they plan to submit a claim, while temporarily protecting an earlier effective date. It’s designed to give Veterans time to gather evidence without losing benefits.
But that protection is temporary.
Under VA rules, Veterans have one year from the date the intent to file is received to submit a complete claim. If that one-year window closes before the claim is finalized, the intent to file expires. When that happens, the VA generally will not use the earlier date when calculating back pay.
This becomes an annual January issue because that is when many Veterans finally file, often as a New Year's reset after leaving active duty. One year later, those deadlines quietly come due.
For Veterans navigating the system for the first time, understanding how the VA disability claims process actually works is often the difference between protecting back pay and losing it.
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Why Missing This Deadline Is So Costly
VA disability compensation is paid retroactively based on a claim’s effective date. When an intent to file expires, the effective date typically shifts to the date the completed claim is submitted.
That lost time equals lost money.
Using official VA compensation rates effective December 1, 2025, here’s what a single lost year can cost a Veteran using Veteran-alone rates. Amounts increase with dependents.
For example, at a disability rating of:
- 30%, you could lose $552.47 per month, or $6,629.64 for one year.
- 50%, you could lose $1,132.90 per month, or $13,594.80 for one year.
- 70%, you could lose $1,808.45 per month, or $21,701.40 for one year.
- 100%, you could lose $3,938.58 per month, or $47,262.96 for one year.
These figures are the direct result of how the VA's effective dates and back pay are calculated, and in most cases, once the one-year intent to file window closes, the VA will not use that earlier date for retroactive compensation.
Why Veterans Miss It, Even When They’re Doing Everything Right
Most Veterans who are at risk of missing this deadline don’t miss it because they’re careless. Often, these are Veterans trying to do things correctly but caught by procedural delays or misunderstandings.
Common reasons include waiting on civilian medical records, delays getting a diagnosis, believing a claim must be perfect before submission, or not realizing that starting an online application triggered the one-year clock.
Many Veterans also assume they’ll receive a reminder when the deadline approaches. They shouldn’t.
This issue consistently appears among common VA claim mistakes that cost Veterans money, especially for those navigating the VA system without guidance.
Don’t Lose Your VA Back Pay
If you filed anything with the VA within the past year, take five minutes today and check.
Ask yourself one question: Did you submit an intent to file or start a VA claim about a year ago?
Log in to VA.gov and review your claim history or saved applications. Find the Intent to File date and count twelve months forward.
If you are approaching that anniversary, you must submit a complete claim before that date to preserve your effective date.
If the date has passed, file anyway. You may lose the earlier date, but you can still receive benefits going forward.
The Biggest Myth That Costs Veterans Their Back Pay
Many Veterans believe they shouldn’t submit a claim until all evidence is collected.
That belief costs more back pay than almost any other mistake.
VA rules let Veterans submit a complete claim to protect the effective date and then continue developing evidence. Strong evidence matters, but missing the deadline virtually guarantees losing retroactive compensation.
Protect the date first. Strengthen the claim next.
What Counts as a Complete Claim
For most disability claims, a complete submission includes the correct claim form, a clear list of claimed conditions, identification of treatment sources, and any available medical evidence.
You do not need perfect documentation if a deadline approaches. You do need a complete submission on file.
When Accredited Help Matters Most
Veterans nearing an intent to file deadline should strongly consider working with an accredited assistance provider. Be aware that there are an abundance of malicious organizations out there who prey on Veterans for profit.
Before working with or sharing your information with anyone, do your research and always follow your gut. They’re called “claim sharks” for a reason. Don’t let them take a bite out of you.
Accredited assistance may include a trusted Veterans Service Organization, a VA-accredited attorney, or a VA-accredited claims agent. Accredited representatives understand how to preserve effective dates, submit claims that meet VA completeness standards, and continue evidence development after filing.
If you’re unsure where to start, look for how to find accredited VA claims assistance to help avoid risking your benefits.
Questions Veterans Ask Every January
Q: Does an Intent to File guarantee back pay for Veterans?
A: No. It only protects an earlier effective date if a completed claim is submitted within one year.
Q: What if I miss the deadline by a few days?
A: In most cases, the VA will not use the expired Intent to File date, and the effective date resets.
Q: Can I file a new Intent to File if I miss it?
A: Yes, but it starts a new clock and does not restore the lost effective date.
Q. Does starting an online claim create an Intent to File date?
A. Yes. Beginning a claim online establishes an Intent to File date, even if you never finish the application.
Are You on the Clock?
Timing alone can cost or earn Veterans tens of thousands of dollars on rare VA issues like this. Act now if you filed an intent to file last January or started a claim you haven't finished.
Check your date, finish your claim, and get accredited help if needed; do not wait.
Once the one-year window closes, VA cannot pay for past time served, no matter how strong your case becomes. Protect what is yours.
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BY NATALIE OLIVERIO
Veteran & Senior Contributor, Military News at VeteranLife
Navy Veteran
Natalie Oliverio is a Navy Veteran, journalist, and entrepreneur whose reporting brings clarity, compassion, and credibility to stories that matter most to military families. With more than 100 published articles, she has become a trusted voice on defense policy, family life, and issues shaping the...
Credentials
Expertise
Natalie Oliverio is a Navy Veteran, journalist, and entrepreneur whose reporting brings clarity, compassion, and credibility to stories that matter most to military families. With more than 100 published articles, she has become a trusted voice on defense policy, family life, and issues shaping the...
