Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Montana Veteran Affairs Division is not part of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. 

The Montana Veteran Affairs Division (MVAD) is a state agency and is 100% state funded. MVAD falls under the State of Montana's executive branch, Department of Military Affairs. MVAD is here to advocate for veterans and provide assistance in obtaining federal VA benefits. 

To determine which benefits you are eligible for, start by obtaining a copy of your DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). This document verifies your military service and discharge status. Veterans with an honorable discharge are generally eligible for a wide range of benefits, including VA healthcare and other state and federal programs.

Then, visit our How to File a Claim page to contact a Veteran Service Officer and find all the benefits you are eligible for. 

The most convenient way to check your claim status is to sign in to your account on VA.gov and use the claim/appeal status tool, where you can see where your claim is in the process and review any evidence or decision letters tied to it.

You can also contact your local Veteran Service Office who can review you claim status with you and explain next steps. 

You can request copies of your military service records, including your DD214, through the National Archives. The easiest way is to visit the National Archives Veterans’ Services page at National Archives, where you can submit an online request or find instructions for requesting records by mail or fax. You may also work with a local Veterans Service Officer (VSO) if you would like in‑person assistance completing the request.

For National Guard records, contact the Adjutant General's office at (406) 324-3010. 

You can enroll in VA health care in several ways, so you can choose what works best for you.

  • The quickest option for many Veterans is to call the VA health benefits hotline at 877‑222‑8387 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time), where a representative can walk you through the application over the phone.
  • You can also apply online through VA.gov using the VA health care application form, or complete VA Form 10‑10EZ and submit it by mail or in person at your local VA medical center.
To make the process smoother, try to have your DD214, basic income information, and any current health insurance details (such as Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or private insurance) available when you apply. If you would like one‑on‑one help, your local Veterans Service Officer can assist you step‑by‑step with completing and submitting your enrollment application.

There are several types of Veteran ID cards, and each serves a different purpose. Montana Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) can help you add Veteran designation to your Montana driver’s license or state ID, which many businesses and organizations accept as proof of Veteran status.

You can also apply for a Veteran Identification Card (VIC) online through VA.gov, which is a federal photo ID card recognizing your military service.

In addition, your VA health care card (issued when you enroll in VA health care) can often be used as proof of Veteran status for identification purposes, depending on what is required by the organization or benefit provider.

VA health care is primarily for eligible Veterans and does not automatically cover spouses. However, spouses and dependents may qualify for separate programs such as CHAMPVA or health coverage under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs if they meet specific eligibility requirements, such as the Veteran having a permanent and total service‑connected disability.

In some cases, spouses may also be eligible for coverage through TRICARE if the Veteran is retired military and meets Department of Defense criteria. For personalized guidance, we encourage spouses to contact a local Veterans Service Officer to review their specific situation and available options.