Veterans Service Representative (Authorizer)

Veterans Benefits Administration; Newington (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Veterans Benefits Administration is seeking a Veterans Service Representative (VSR) to oversee complex benefit claims, explain entitlement criteria, and issue final decisions on compensation and pension claims. This role supports Veterans through accurate adjudication and collaborative teamwork across VBA offices.

The position emphasizes experience in adjudicating claims and applying benefit rules, with pathways for education-based qualification adjustments as outlined in the vacancy.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-10 in adjudicating and authorizing Veterans' claims.
• Graduate education can substitute for experience as described.
• Combination of education and experience may qualify per the described rules; transcripts may be required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee complex benefit claims and ensure timely, accurate decisions.
• Explain benefit programs and entitlement criteria to Veterans and stakeholders.
• Provide final decisions on compensation and pension claims based on evidence and regulations.

Skills

Adjudication experience

Benefits knowledge

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

3 years of progressively higher level graduate education

LL.M. (if related)

Job description

As a Veterans Service Representative (VSR) (Authorizer), the incumbent will play a vital role in ensuring that our Veterans receive the compassionate care and benefits they deserve. You will oversee complex benefit claims, explain benefit programs and entitlement criteria, and provide final decisions on compensation and pension claims. This position may be located in either the Veteran Service Centers or the Benefit Eligibility Support Team Divisions within the listed VBA Regional Offices.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/18/2026.

Time-in-Grade

Applicants who are current federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at GS-10 grade level.

To support your claim of time in grade, you must submit your most recent appointment, promotion, or within grade increase SF-50. Some applicants may have to submit more than one SF-50 to demonstrate their eligibility. See the required documents section for more information.

Specialized Experience

To qualify at the GS-11 grade level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-10) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes experience that demonstrates competence in adjudicating and authorizing Veterans' claims. Specialized experience is typically gained in positions that have involved experience in the development, examination, investigation, adjudication, and authorization of claims for disability compensation, disability pension, death compensation, death pension benefits, life insurance benefits, etc. Such experience is to be substantive and relevant and may have been gained in the practice of law or working with a Federal or state agency, insurance company, retirement, disability, or insurance program.

OR

Applicants may substitute education for experience to qualify at the GS-11 grade level: Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three full years (54 semester hours or 81 quarter hours) of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M, if related. This graduate education (or completed degree) must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to do the work for this position. Note: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

OR

Applicants may combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-11 grade level: Applicants may combine specialized experience and education beyond two full years of graduate level education. If you have some, but not all, of the graduate education described above AND less than one full year of the specialized experience described above, you may qualify by combining the amount of creditable education and experience that you do have. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grade GS-11. To calculate, first identify the education you have earned beyond your first two years of study as a percentage of a total of three years of study. Then identify the number of months of specialized experience you have as a percentage of 12 months. Add the two percentages. The total must equal at least 100 percent in order to be qualifying. For example, an applicant who has 45 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required beyond the first two years) and who has 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e., 50% of the one year of specialized experience required) would meet 100% and thus be qualified for the position. Note: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/