VA (Department of Veterans Affairs)

Yeah. I was hired under DHA for VA. One day you’ll get an email that says congrats! And you’ll take the job. Then you’ll wish you never did. The VA is poorly run. Especially VBA. Take it from me, I resigned it was that bad.

It was this year. The DHA was due to COVID hiring. It was not for VSR or RVSR, but nonetheless at the VARO. I was referred to a hiring manager, then two weeks after referral I was sent a tentative offer, was vetted, and offer the position and given my EOD and paperwork.

Referrals mean little to nothing. Plus, just because you are referred doesn’t mean chosen. A lot are referred and a few make the cut and interview. Then they choose (2). A primary and backup. Now usually DHA is a mass hiring, so like I said before, doubtful you’ll be interviewed. They will probably hire 20 VSR/RVSR in one shot at your location. The reason for this is the backlog. This year there were about 60,000 claims reopened on top of what veterans open each day. The additional 60,000 are for blue water Vietnam navy veterans. The VA is understaffed and overworked. Like many other agencies. If it is this easy to get into federal service, you may want to rethink making this leap! I was a DOD civilian, and worked at the National Weather Service, prior to my tenure at VA. The VA is the worst! Should have stayed at the Weather Service. DOD and VA are like the plague, stay away.

Let me just say, and please take this advice seriously, if you are already a federal employee, don’t transfer into VA. It is a terribly mismanaged agency. I am a veteran and a user of VBA and VHA. Two very broken systems. I worked at the VARO for 5 months and finally resigned. Micromanaging supervisors who are scared of losing their jobs bug workers about everything. You are not treated like an adult. Everything is based on quantifiable milestones. So, you will have a monthly quota. That was never an issue for me. I hit my numbers every single month. But what is an issue is the folks that don’t hit their mark still keep their job and get within grade increases. Like I said, broken. If you’re not in the “club” you will hate it.

You too! And you’re welcome. I’m not against federal employment, but I am ANTI-LAZY and unfortunately the VA is a cesspool for lazy.
I’m on the stay at home dad train for a while!

Thanks for your comment.

I do know of one guy that qualified for a GS 9 step 10 and they tried to hire him at a GS 7 step 1 and he refused. So, that is very similar to what you're saying.

They have a hiring shortage and want to short change people when the funds are available to hire talented people with experience and in the meantime, veterans' claim processing keeps falling behind.

Come on...

Hey Folks I applied for the VSR position that closed on 12/18/2021 (many positions). I believe I'm highly qualified being that I currently work for the VA as a Police Officer, have experience that's inline with the requirements as a former criminal investigator, and hold a Master's degree that's related to the field. Do I have a chance and has anyone who applied gotten referred yet? How long does it typically take to hear from someone? Please let me know.

Edited by user Wednesday, January 19, 2022 1:12:53 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

So, a VSR processes claims for disability compensation. Not sure if education and experience in law enforcement would really carry over to a VSR. Working for the VA already is a start, but experience is key. If you don’t have KSA’s for the position applied, you’re out of luck.

Sidebar—The regional offices are a joke. I’d stay a VA cop….been there done that Regional Office and it’s a step backwards. Lots of politics.

Well they pay better than VA Police for sure. I'm currently only a GS6 and would probably have to move out of state for any upward mobility (no guarantees). VSR is 7-10 and I feel it would open doors for my future.

VSR’s are not investigating anything. They order medical exams, and search medical records for diagnosis of service connected disabilities and then give the RVSR the information and the veteran is either awarded or denied benefits. Peace.

I just received my confirmation of employment email from VBA as a VSR. I also applied for the position that closed on 12/18/21. Interestingly, I expect a workload backlog which is typical of the VA. I am transitioning from Imaging Service, so I know how to resolve backlog issues. Nonetheless, I look forward to the challenges and rewards working as a VSR.

Hello,

So what you are saying is that you received a "Firm Offer" with a start date for the Nationwide VSR position that closed 12/18/2021?

Did you have an interview?

Thanks