Most claim denials happen because veterans didn't know what was coming. Here's the full process — no surprises.
Before you do anything else — before you gather records, before you see a doctor, before you even know exactly what you're claiming — file an Intent to File (ITF) at VA.gov. It locks in your effective date.
Your effective date determines when your monthly payments START and how much back pay you receive. Every month you wait costs you money.
Average time: 6–18 months. Knowing each step removes the anxiety of not knowing what's happening to your claim.