What must a complete Intent to File (ITF) identify?

A complete Intent to File (ITF) must identify the exact benefits being sought. This is crucial because the ITF serves as a notice to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that a veteran is planning to submit a claims application for specific benefits. By identifying the exact benefits, the VA can better prepare to expedite the processing of these benefits once the formal application is submitted.

Understanding the specific benefits helps ensure both the veteran and the VA are aligned on what is being sought, which can streamline the process and reduce the chances of delays or misunderstandings later on. Identifying the exact benefits also helps in establishing the timeline for benefits retroactivity, as the date of the ITF can be crucial in these determinations.

While the other options, such as identifying the specific form to be completed, the date of application submission, and the claimant’s address may also be necessary pieces of information in the claims process, they are not the primary focus of the ITF itself. The intent behind filing is to signal the VA about the benefits sought, thereby placing emphasis on the benefits identification.