National Pre-Discharge Claims Rep - Norfolk

NATURE OF WORK:
Assists in the implementation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars outreach programs to military
service members at military installations (including National Guard and Reserve units) in support of
DoDs Transition Assistance Program and the VAs Pre-Discharge Program.
Represents separating active duty military personnel by assisting with Transition Assistance
Program (TAP) as well as the preparation, development, submission and review of claims for
transitioning service members benefits to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Reviews Pre-
Discharge claims rating decisions as needed.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Makes presentations and prepares and processes claims for VA benefits as part of the
implementation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars active service members outreach programs to
military installations in the assigned geographical area, in support of the VAs Pre-Discharge
Program. Performs as a case manager for service members claims.
Prepares statements on behalf of the Pre-Discharge clients claim, and if necessary, appeal.
Advises service members in obtaining medical evidence from VA/DoD attending physicians, and
other health care professionals.

Conducts research and inquiries pertaining to military services policies and regulations. Interacts
with pertinent military officials in fulfillment of the mission to provide assistance to
separating/retiring service members. Maintains regular contact and partners with the sponsoring
base Transition Manager.
Describes the posture of the Veterans of Foreign Wars service programs to separating service
members and as directed by the Assistant Director, to local veterans communities and federal
agencies. Interacts with other veterans service organizations and state veteran service agencies.
Incorporates statutes, regulations and government directives to ensure that service members
interests are articulated in accordance with VFW national mandates and the VA requirements.
Ensures that the appropriate claims forms are accurately and timely submitted. When requested by
the Assistant Director, mentors recently hired VFW Pre-Discharge claims reps and department
service officers (DSOs).

Coordinates, as appropriate, with the local VFW DSO to refer veterans for DSO assistance.
Interacts daily with DOD and VA employees to present the VFW program and to facilitate a
constructive working relationship.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Position requires U.S. military service and VFW membership (member eligibility requirements
at https://www.vfw.org/join/eligibility). Official DD214 required for verification of service details
and VFW membership eligibility. Other official service documents may be required as necessary.
Position requires an associate degree and a minimum of one year previous experience in a closely
related position, or a minimum three years directly-related work experience. Advanced human relations and customer service skills and proficient analytical abilities are
required to interface with both active duty military personnel and recently separated veterans to
analyze claims folders, research and apply applicable statutes, regulations, government directives,
and VFW policies pertinent to the claims process. Position requires knowledge of given subjects to
such a degree as to make the incumbent authoritative in transitioning service members and recently
separated veterans entitlements and benefits programs. Includes public speaking as a regular duty
and incumbent may be frequently called upon to state publicly VFW positions on special veterans
affairs issues. Position requires knowledge of given subjects to such a degree as to make the incumbent familiar in
transitioning service members and recently separated veterans entitlements and benefits programs,
which is normally gained through extensive study in either a business or academic environment, to
include former military training. Superior knowledge is required of military regulations, directives
and terminology, including military discharge characterization, to properly represent active duty
military personnel in applying for benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Advanced knowledge of personal computers is required to include software applications, case
management techniques and other electronic applications used in a fully automated office
environment. Position requires VFW accreditation with the Department of Veterans Affairs and successful
completion of the Veterans Benefits Administrations Training, Responsibility, Involvement and
Preparation of claims (TRIP) test. Incumbent will be required to successfully complete
recertification tests to monitor their proficiency in the laws pertaining to veterans benefits.
Incumbent must be a self-starter and able to work independently.
SCOPE OF POSITION:
Position is FLSA exempt. Incumbent is under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director or the Associate Director of
Field Operations, NVS and has no supervisory responsibility. Incumbent may make some
authoritative decisions on individual claims but has limited impact beyond specific responsibilities.
Incumbent may from time to time be required to provide to the National Veterans Service Training
Assistant Director subject material that will enhance the professional knowledge and proficiency at
NVS training. May act as an instructor at training conferences. Plans and prioritizes work for own position on a recurring basis. Provides a weekly report to the
Field Operations leadership, schedules daily claims appointments which typically include five per
day, develops briefing schedules and typically participates in VA transition briefings on a weekly
basis. Routine problem solving includes interviewing active duty military personnel and recently
separated veterans to determine claim issues, ascertaining appropriate courses of action, reviewing
VFW policies and procedures, applying applicable laws and government regulations, completing
the filing process for veterans entitlements and benefits, monitoring case progression, and
providing quality customer service. Typical problem solving includes reviewing evidence to ensure sufficient materials are available to
adequately develop a claim for transitioning service members disability compensation or referring
applications as appropriate.
Typical contacts will be transitioning active duty military personnel 80% of the time for benefits
advice, briefings and claims assistance, and 20% with recently separated veterans (within 12 months
from separation) for initial claims assistance, and also members of the veterans community to
resolve questions and clarify status of claims. Incumbent has limited participation in the development of the National Veterans Service annual
budget and long-term strategic plans. WORKING CONDITIONS:
Primary duty location is Naval Base Norfolk with in-person office work Monday through Friday,
0745-1600. There is no telework or remote work available for this position.
Extensive local travel is required to assist with VA benefits and make presentations as part of the
VFW Pre-Discharge program to transitioning active-duty personnel. Additional domestic travel
will occur for attendance at VFW National Service Officer training conferences or other periodic
VFW assignments.

May be required to perform other duties as assigned to meet the business needs of the VFW.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Provides quality customer service to military personnel by ensuring inquiries are adequately
reviewed and processed, appropriate documentation is accurately completed, and VA benefits
claims and appeals are submitted to the applicable agency in a timely manner in compliance with
the rules and regulations of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Prepares instructional material and professional presentations as part of the VFWs support for the
VAs Pre-Discharge Program conducted on military installations in the assigned geographical area.
Ensures that active duty personnel and, to a limited degree, members of the veterans community
are counseled concerning their rights and entitlements and are represented in a caring and highly
professional manner. Prepares instructional classes for the National Veterans Service training program.
Ensures proper records are maintained to render timely and accurate reports to the Assistant
Director, Field Operations to include a weekly report of activities. Ensures no clients Personally
Identifiable Information (PII) is stored or maintained locally, in office or on computer hard drive.
The above duties are both specific and general in

*This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

**If not already listed as a requirement for the position, all employees (if eligible) are encouraged to become members of the VFW. If ineligible for VFW membership, employees (if eligible) are encouraged to join the VFW Auxiliary. Additionally, all employees are encouraged to actively promote the benefits of membership in the VFW and VFW Auxiliary to others who qualify.

The VFW offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to health, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program.