Veterans may soon notice a new type of reminder arriving from the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding an active Intent to File (ITF). These notifications may arrive by mail, email, or text message, depending on the contact information VA currently has on file.
An Intent to File is essentially VA’s way of recognizing that a Veteran plans to submit a disability compensation claim. Once an ITF is established, Veterans generally have up to 12 months to formally submit their claim while preserving the earlier effective date. In plain language, that earlier date may result in additional retroactive compensation if the claim is later granted.
The new reminders are intended to help Veterans avoid accidentally missing that deadline. If you receive one of these notices, do not ignore it or assume it is junk mail. It may simply be VA’s way of saying, “You told us you planned to file a claim, and the clock is still running.” If you are unsure whether you still intend to pursue the claim, contact your Veterans Service Office and we can review the situation with you.
On the local side, Lake County is in the process of transitioning to a new website and email domain: LakeCountyMN.gov. As part of that transition, Veterans Services email addresses will also be changing. While the current addresses will continue working for a period of time, now is a good opportunity to update your contact list.
The new email address for Lake County Veterans Services is: Vets@LakeCountyMN.gov
Please also note that the Cook and Lake County Veterans Services offices will be closed June 1–5, 2026, for required annual training. During that time, staff will be attending training related to state and federal Veterans benefits, claims procedures, and program updates. Although the offices will be closed to the public, the required training helps ensure Veterans continue receiving accurate and up-to-date assistance.
Finally, thank you to all the volunteers who helped place flags on Veterans’ gravesites throughout the area in preparation for Memorial Day. It is a simple but meaningful tradition that helps ensure the service and sacrifice of local Veterans are respectfully remembered each year.
As always, if you have questions about benefits, claims, or available services, please contact your County Veterans Services Office.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall, Lake County Veterans Service Officers, 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson, Cook County Veterans Service Officer, 218.387.3639, or karen. christianson@co.cook.mn.us
