Rating Veteran Service Representative (RVSR)

Rating Veterans Service Representative (RVSR): Warrior Training Advancement Course (WARTAC) is a skill-bridge education and employment opportunity for Wounded Warriors and transitioning Servicemembers to complete a national-level VBA training program while still on active duty. Successful completion of this training program leads to an employment opportunity at one of 55 VBA Regional Offices around the country. Participants learn the skill set of a Rating Veteran service representative (RVSR). The duration of the RVSR class is 11 weeks.

ABOUT THE JOB

Rating Veterans Service Representative (RVSR): works as an employee in the Veterans Service Center (VSC), Special Missions or Pension Management Center (PMC). The RVSR, working in concert with members of the team or other VSC teams, serves as a decision maker for claims involving rating decisions. The RVSR analyzes claims, applies VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities (Rating Schedule), and prepares rating decisions informing the Veteran Service Representative (VSR) and claimant of the decision and reasons and bases for it. The RVSR routinely collaborates with other members of the work team, including Veterans Service Representatives and the Decision Review Officer(s), and will also be available to discuss claims with Veterans Service Organization representatives. In addition, the RVSR may interact with the Veteran and their representative or advocate when it is expedient and assures world class customer service. The RVSR possesses the knowledge and skills to perform a full range of duties that include: 1. The Rating Veteran Service Representative (RVSR) analyzes claims to determine: a. if diseases and injuries were incurred in or aggravated by the military service in the line of duty for purposes of compensation, pension, hospital and out-patient treatment, prosthetic appliances, vocational training, and related employment and compensation benefits. As needed, the RVSR instructs the VSR to initiate action to obtain all required evidence to support the claim. In some instances, the RVSR monitors the claim to eliminate unnecessary delays in receiving needed evidence. b. a need for examinations or re-examinations of Veterans and their dependents. c. the permanent incapacity and/or the competency of Veterans and their dependents. 2. The RVSR determines service-connection, percentage of disability, permanent and total disability, and entitlement to compensation, pension, and vocational training, medical and dental treatment, automobiles, or other conveyances, insurance, specially adapted housing, dependent education allowances, and other ancillary benefits. 3. The RVSR applies application of the Rating Schedule and other applicable instructions. While the incumbent is responsible for proper analysis, appropriate development, and rating determinations of claims, he or she may seek assistance with claims from higher level RVSRs or the supervisor as necessary. 4. While not routinely required, the RVSR may directly communicate and interact with Veterans and their representatives/advocates to facilitate timely, proper decisions. As dictated by the circumstances of each case, the RVSR may assist with interviews or hearings in person or by telephone with Veterans, eligible individuals, representatives, and advocates to obtain or clarify information and to learn more about the claims review process. 5. The RVSR communicates with other employees and other employees in the Regional Office, employees of VA medical centers, and other Regional Offices. Assistance is provided as needed by higher level RVSRs or the supervisor as necessary. 6. The RVSR actively participates in training and meetings in order to develop skills for advancement. 7. Performs other related duties as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze claims to determine if diseases and injuries were incurred in or aggravated by military service for various veteran benefits.
• Determine service-connection, percentage of disability, and entitlement to various veteran benefits.
• Apply the VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities and prepare rating decisions.
• Communicate with veterans, representatives, and other stakeholders to facilitate decisions.
• Participate in training and meetings to develop skills for advancement.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in interpretation of evidence for legal cases or benefit eligibility determination.
• Ability to analyze medical, benefit, and legal documentation to assist in preparation of legal cases or determine eligibility of benefits.
• Education substitution options include: Master's degree, two years of higher level graduate education, or a law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) if related.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY

WARTAC is open to transitioning Service members who have 180-days or less left in active service. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT: You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:Specialized Experience GS9 grade level: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level or higher in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as experience which required interpretation of evidence (medical, benefit and/or legal documentation) to assist in preparation of legal cases, to determine eligibility of benefits/services or to assist in performing clinical research, clinical or physiological studies, evaluations, or medical treatment. Education Substitution: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required to qualify at the GS-9 grade level. Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or Two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D., if related.

ELIGIBLE SERVICE BRANCHES

All Services

BENEFITS

• Skill-bridge education and employment opportunity.
• Employment opportunity at one of 55 VBA Regional Offices upon successful completion.

PROGRAM COST

0

OTHER

For more information, please visit https://discover.va.gov/transition-programs/wartac/ or contact WARTAC.VBAVACO@va.gov WARTAC Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLw4iDWi47c&t=4s