Rating Veterans Service Representative job - Department of Veterans Affairs - Togus, ME

Position Number(s): GS-09 – PD 02104A

This is a bargaining unit position.

Work Schedule: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

At the GS-09/10/11 level, the incumbent performs in a trainee capacity, work assignments will be under close technical supervision and review. At the full Performance GS-12 the Rating Veteran Service Representative (VSR) analyzes claims, applies VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities, and prepares rating decisions. The Rating VSR routinely collaborates with other members of his/her work team, including Veterans Service Representatives and the Decision Review Officers. In addition, the Rating VSR may directly interact with the veteran and his/her representative or advocate. Rating VSR duties include but are not limited to:

The Rating VSR is responsible for the examination and evaluation of claims submitted for establishing service connection of diseases and injuries.

The incumbent determines the degree of disability, permanency of disability, and whether substantially gainful employment is precluded; entitlement to burial award; establishment of service connection for cause of death or contributory cause of death; secondary service connection; service connection as a result of examination, treatment, hospitalization, or training; permanent and total disability for compensation or pension purposes; need for aid and attendance; competency/incompetence; and other benefits.

Determines eligibility for hospitalization, outpatient treatment, loan guaranty, insurance, vocational rehabilitation, and unemployment compensation and accrued benefits.

Resolves legal questions.

The incumbent assures the proper application of the rating schedule and other applicable instructions, and he/she is fully accountable for proper analysis, appropriate development, and final rating determinations.

Individual(s) selected for this position must be available to attend a mandatory 8-week consecutive training session. This training may require official government travel away from the permanent duty station to a different city and/or state. Flexitour is not available during training.