Veterans Service Representative (Rating

The Rating Veterans Service Representative analyzes claims, applies VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (Rating Schedule), and prepares rating decisions informing the VSR and/or claimant of the decision, the bases, and reason for it. The incumbent serves as a decision maker for claims involving rating decisions. The incumbent determines service-connection, percentage of disability, permanent and total disability, entitlement to compensation, and other ancillary benefits.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement:08/06/2026.

• For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07 level.
• For a GS-10 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09 level.
• For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-10 level.
• For a GS-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11 level.

The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials.

You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:

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 gathering or requesting evidence to respond to claimant inquiries for federal, state, or local benefits in areas such as but not limited to: burial benefits, education benefits, monetary benefits, welfare benefits, housing benefits and various other federal, state, or local programs.

• Example of experience would typically include, but are not limited to:
  • Gathering and requesting evidence to build service program case files, respond to claimant inquiries, and identify errors, inconsistencies, or omissions.

OR

• Education Substitution: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required to qualify at the GS-9 grade level.
  • Master's or equivalent graduate degree, if related (You must provide transcripts); OR
  • Two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D., if related (You must provide transcripts).

• Specialized
  
  Experience:
  
  Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level or higher in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as (1) assisting claimants with applications for federal, state, or local benefits in areas such as but not limited to: burial benefits, education benefits, monetary benefits, welfare benefits, housing benefits and various other federal, state, or local programs;
  
  AND (2) identifying errors, inconsistencies, or omissions in federal or state-administered benefits request package.

  Example of experience would typically include, but are not limited to:

  • Explaining decisions to claimants, customers, special interest groups, dependents and/or representatives in an effort to gain understanding of determinations.

OR

• Education Substitution: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required to qualify at the GS-10 grade level.
  • Two and a half (2.5) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a Ph.D., LL.M. or equivalent doctoral degree. Graduate-level education must demonstrate the competencies necessary to do the work of the position. (You must provide transcripts).

• Specialized
  
  Experience:
  
  Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-10 grade level or higher in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as (1) explaining federal or state-administered benefits decisions to claimants to help them gain an understanding of claim determinations; and (2) evaluating evidence and allegations to draw sound conclusions regarding benefit claims.

  Examples of experience would typically include, but are not limited to:

  • Determining the eligibility for federal or state-administered benefits, such as: disability, education, housing, medical and/or veterans' benefits.
  • Applying federal and state laws to process claims pertaining to a service, disability, or benefit program.

OR

• Education Substitution: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required to qualify at the GS-11 grade level.
  • Education substitution of a Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree (You must provide transcripts); OR
  • Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M, if related. (You must provide transcripts).

• Specialized
  
  Experience:
  
  Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level or higher in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the…