You have exactly 1 year from your Intent to File date to submit your complete claim and lock in that earlier effective date. See exactly how many days you have left.
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Days remaining
This calculates the standard 1-year window under 38 CFR § 3.155(b). It assumes the date you enter is the date the VA actually recorded your Intent to File — for VA.gov submissions that's your confirmation timestamp; for paper Form 21-0966, it's the date your regional office date-stamped it. If you're unsure of your recorded date, check your VA.gov account or ask your VSO. This tool doesn't have access to your actual VA file.
The Veteran Roadmap | Claim Compass