Veterans Crisis Line. Call 988, then press 1. Text 838255. Chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/
NCO brief kit · Free
Intent to file — drill deck
It locks a possible effective date. It is not a rating. You have one year to finish the claim.
8 min · Soldiers and veterans in the formation · Education only. Not a claim. Not Army or VA product.
Slide 1 · What it does · TOP's
A date. Not a decision.
- Starting a disability claim on VA.gov with a verified login often sets it.
- VA Form 21-0966 is the paper door.
- One year to file the completed application for the benefit you named.
1 / 2 · Verify on VA.gov intent to file before anyone enrolls.
Slide 2 · Then file · TOP's
21-526EZ, or BDD if you are 180 to 90 days from ETS.
- A mill does not unlock this.
- An accredited VSO is free. Look them up on VA.gov.
- Walkthrough: /signup/intent-to-file.
2 / 2 · Verify on VA.gov intent to file before anyone enrolls.
