Who works for the VA?

Sgt Branden W. — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 15:30:41 -0400

I've got an interview this Monday at the local VA as a Veterans Servive Representative. As a Veteran, I think it will be pretty great connecting veterans with the benefits they've earned.

Anyone currently employed at the VA or even better, anyone a VSR currently?

Response by SGT Corey Franks made Apr 7 at 2015 4:10 PM

SGT Corey Franks — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 16:10:28 -0400

Good luck at the interview! More Vets means more people who care about us!

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Apr 7 at 2015 7:18 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:18:02 -0400

Good luck with the job. It's hard work, and from what I see doesn't pay that well. The most frustrating part of the job will be getting yelled at by frustrated vets wanting to know why they haven't gotten their disability ratings yet, why the decision report was wrong, why they were denied, etc...

I worked for four years at DAV as a service officer, basically the same work. It's fulfilling, but can be very painful at times...

Hopefully the new system will do what they say, about speeding up claims, but then I've heard promises before about speeding up claims, and those fell through...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 7:19 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 19:19:09 -0400

Nice! Good luck!

My wife doesn't work for the VA, BUT she is a CNA that occasionally works at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Boise (its a state run veterans facility).

Response by Sgt Branden W. made Apr 14 at 2015 7:25 AM

Sgt Branden W. — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 07:25:54 -0400

Update: interview complete. 5 Performance Based questions, followed by a writing sample. Got a very positive vibe from the HR recruiter.

Starting at GS-7 which is more than I make as a teacher, and with yearly promotions, the ladder is one worth climbing.
Now the waiting game begins, as the VA is not known for speedy decisions.

My goal is to make a positive difference, even at the "lower" levels of the Claims process.

Response by Sgt Branden W. made Apr 15 at 2015 12:31 PM

Sgt Branden W. — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 12:31:14 -0400

My supervisor just informed me that the HR department at the VA called and had a chat. This is a good sign. 1 step closer.

No one else on RP is an employee of the VA? Care to share your experiences working there? They're hiring Vets at the rapid rate.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Apr 15 at 2015 2:08 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 14:08:00 -0400

Sgt Branden W. Here's a place to start when looking for RP members at the VA:
https://www.rallypoint.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&keyword=va&search_type=profiles&commit=+#search_advanced_profile_search_params[keyword]=%22Veterans+affairs%22

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 2:20 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 14:20:24 -0400

Sorry I'm late. I was contracted through an agency. Lost my job because I worked too hard and complained i had nothing to do EVERY DAY. Improved their office protocols and made the office better with every decision. Veterans there loved me. Fired Christmas Eve by the civilian supervisor. Don't think I can be of much help.

Good luck to you.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 17 at 2015 4:53 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 16:53:30 -0400

Google VSR. I think they are the coach and connective tissue for the veterans to know where to get the services needed. If you get the job, I dare you to have passion on your job.

I have had like 7 different jobs in the Army. I often made flow charts to understand the processes.

Response by Sgt Branden W. made May 1 at 2015 1:36 PM

Sgt Branden W. — Fri, 01 May 2015 13:36:30 -0400

I've accepted the Firm Offer and will be starting June 1st as a Veteran's Service Representative here in Roanoke. Big transition from teaching to Federal employment... that's a good thing.

Thanks to those in the RP community who offered their 2 cents along the way, from resume tips to words of encouragement.

Hell, maybe I'll be fortunate enough to build a RP member's case file, and get you closer to the benefits you've earned.

I look forward to increasing the success rates of Veterans submitting claims and offering solid advice on how to efficiently navigate the process through the proper channels within RP.

You've got an inside man now.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2022 11:27 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 11:27:47 -0500

I am still in, about to retire. Position sounds great. Good luck. Did you get the job?