Decision Review Officer

This position is located in a Decision Review Operations Center (DROC). The primary purpose for this position is to receive notices of dissatisfaction from Veterans and advocates. The incumbent is authorized to review the determination made by the VSR or RVSR, including the facts and evidence submitted in support of the claim and is empowered to uphold or overturn the decision.

Specific duties include: Receives notices of dissatisfaction from Veterans and advocates and is empowered to review decisions made by the VSR or VSR, including the facts and evidence submitted in support of the claim. Upholds or overturns decisions based on difference of opinion. Conducts informal hearings to obtain additional information from veterans and/or advocate. Sustain or change decisions based on additional information gathered. In cases of continued dissatisfaction by a veteran, works with the veteran and advocate/representative to focus the issue and clearly explain a decision in an effort to resolve the dissatisfaction.

Issues revised decisions based on the facts and evidence considered by the previous decision maker which forms the basis for the claimant's dissatisfaction. Interprets laws, rules, regulations, and agency instructions concerning the allowance or disallowance of claims. Resolves issues with respect to legal entitlements of veterans, their surviving spouses, and other beneficiaries.

Decisions serve as a basis for payment or denial of benefits to claimants and for determination of the amounts payable or receivable. Accountable for all decisions rendered which govern a wide variety of federal benefits including: Compensation, Pension, Dependency, Death, Surviving spouse/ child, including child found permanently incapable of self support prior to 18th birthday, Special Monthly Compensation, Character of Discharge decisions, Burial, Educational for Veterans, surviving spouse and dependents, Vocational Rehabilitation, and additional claims processing. Conducts post-decision reviews, identifies trends or out-of-line situations and reports the information to management officials.

Performs duties under the general administrative supervision of the DROC Manager, assistant manager and frontline supervisors. Interprets policy and determines the methods and contacts necessary that are supported by legislation and implementing agency directives including the Schedule for Rating Disabilities, VA regulations, manuals, bulletins, circulars, written instructions from centralized authority, and precedent decisions made in specific cases. In adapting laws, court decisions, BVA and other guidelines, and procedures to specific case circumstances, exercises exceptional independent judgment, skills, and initiative.

With insufficient evidence to make an equitable decision, determines from a legal perspective what evidence is required, considers its feasibility, and initiates appropriate action to obtain it. Among the examples are specialized medical examinations, autopsy reports, hospital clinical records, field examinations, social and industrial surveys, observation periods in VA medical centers, employment records, wage and tax statements, loan applications, and school or vocational training records. Handles cases that involve unusual issues or situations; the work is vital to how the agency serves the public.

Determinations are final and binding, subject to formal appeal only to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. An award decision can involve large sums of money or a denial decision that can have serious adverse effects. Work Schedule: Full time, Monday through Friday, 8:00a.m.

- 4:30p.m. This is a remote position Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Decision Review Officer; 41131A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required