GS-0996

Veterans Claims Examiner

Performs veterans claims work including benefit determination, claim adjudication, and veteran assistance.

📊Administrative📈GS-5/7/9/11/12📁0900

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Qualification Requirements

Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0996

Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions

Individual Occupational Requirements:

Education:

GS-5: 4-year course of study leading to bachelor's degree
GS-7: 1 year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement

Experience: General experience in work involving analysis of information, application of laws and regulations, and decision-making on claims or benefits.

Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):

This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.

Grade	Education	Experience	Combined
GS-5	Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university	3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4	Equivalent combinations qualifying
GS-7	1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement	1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5	Combinations of graduate education and experience
GS-9	2 years graduate education or master's degree	1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7	Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience
GS-11	3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree	1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9	Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience
GS-12+	Not applicable	1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade	N/A

Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):

Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
Election to membership in national scholastic honor society

Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.

Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

🎖️Tips for Veterans

✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.

📋Typical Duties

•Evaluate veteran benefit claims
•Determine eligibility
•Adjudicate claims
•Communicate decisions
•Assist veterans with applications
•Apply laws and regulations

🎯Key Competencies

Claims Adjudication

Ability to analyze and decide veterans benefit claims.

Medical Record Analysis

Skill in reviewing and interpreting medical evidence.

Regulatory Knowledge

Understanding of VA laws, regulations, and rating criteria.

Decision Writing

Ability to prepare clear, well-reasoned rating decisions.

Customer Service

Skill in communicating with veterans and their representatives.

Case Management

Ability to manage caseloads and meet processing goals.

Attention to Detail

Skill in reviewing evidence and ensuring accurate decisions.

Research Skills

Ability to research precedents and policy guidance.

🔑Resume Keywords

Adjudicate claimsApply laws and regulationsAssist veterans with applicationsCommunicate decisionsDetermine eligibilityEvaluate veteran benefit claimsVeterans Claims Examiner

💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems find your qualifications.