How to File a Claim
1. Find an Accredited Representative
Montana Veteran Affairs Division accredited all their Veteran Service Officers (VSOs). These VSOs hold accreditation with:
- Montana Veteran Affairs Division
- American Legion
- Veteran of Foreign Wars
It is important to get assistance from an accredited representative for your VA benefits. To check the accreditation status of your representative, visit the Office of General Counsels search here:
2. Schedule an Appointment
Schedule an appointment to with our Veteran Benefit Technicians to start the claims process. The Veteran Benefit Technician will obtain all your personal information, guide you through gathering your evidence, create your file, and schedule you with the next available accredited Veteran Service Officer.
| Office Location | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|
| Belgrade | (406) 388-4601 | mvadbelgrade@mt.gov |
| Billings | (406) 248-8579 | mvadbillings@mt.gov |
| Butte | (406) 533-0910 | mvadbutte@mt.gov |
| Great Falls | (406) 452-2265 | mvadgreatfalls@mt.gov |
| Havre | (406) 265-4225 | mvadhavre@mt.gov |
| Helena | (406) 324-4774 | mvadhelena@mt.gov |
| Kalispell | (406) 755-3795 | mvadkalispell@mt.gov |
| Miles City | (406) 232-1203 | mvadmilescity@mt.gov |
| Missoula | (406) 542-2501 | mvadmissoula@mt.gov |
3. Gather Evidence
Gather all pertinent information and documentation for your first appointment with a VSO. This can include:
- Military discharge, such as a DD-214 form.
- Any military records that could be related to your conditions.
- Veteran/Claimant Social Security Card.
- Private medical records pertaining to the medical conditions you wish to pursue for service-related disability.
- List of current medical conditions you are being treated for.
- Nexus letter from your doctor (if possible).
- Personal and/or buddy statements.
- Copies of marriage certificates, and/or divorce decrees.
- Copies of your dependents birth certificates.
- Voided check or deposit verification for payroll with banking information in your name.
4. Meet with Your VSO and File Your Claim
Bring all the evidence you have gathered to your appointment with your VSO. The more prepared you are, the easier the process will be. If you have all the evidence, you can file a fully developed claim, which is quicker than the traditional claims process.
5. Follow-Up
This is very important. Do not wait too long to check the status of your claim. This doesn't mean to call your representative every day, but you should check in every 30 days. Our Veteran Benefit Technicians can give you an update to your claim status. You can also check your claim status if you have a premium VA account.