Senior Lead Veterans Claims Examiner - Department of Veterans Affairs (Buffalo, NY)

Are you a highly skilled and motivated professional with a passion for serving those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking an experienced Senior Lead Veterans Claims Examiner to join its dedicated team at the Buffalo Regional Benefits Office. This critical GS-12 position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the profound satisfaction of making a tangible difference in the lives of veterans and their families. If you possess a deep understanding of VA education benefits, strong leadership capabilities, and a commitment to excellence, we encourage you to explore this rewarding opportunity.

About the Department of Veterans Affairs

Our mission at the Department of Veterans Affairs is to "fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The VA is committed to providing compassionate care and unwavering support to America's veterans. We pride ourselves on a culture defined by our Core Values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (I CARE). As a VA professional, you will find endless opportunities for growth, leadership, and personal fulfillment while contributing to a vital mission. Join us in honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation's heroes.

The Role of a Senior Lead Veterans Claims Examiner

As a Senior Lead Veterans Claims Examiner in the Buffalo Regional Benefits Office, you will be an integral part of the Education Division. You will serve as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert for veterans navigating their education benefits. Your core responsibilities will involve meticulously adjudicating and authorizing complex claims, ensuring strict adherence to current laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing VA education benefits.

This role demands a high level of expertise and independent judgment. You will be tasked with evaluating intricate cases, often involving conflicting or incomplete evidence, to determine benefit eligibility. Furthermore, you will provide essential technical guidance, direction, and formal training to lower-graded examiners, fostering a cohesive and skilled team. Your commitment to quality will be evident in your thorough reviews of claims for accuracy, completeness, and compliance, ensuring the precise and timely delivery of benefits that our veterans have earned.

Key Responsibilities:

• Claim Adjudication and Authorization: Review and authorize complex and unusual education benefit claims, ensuring accurate application of laws, regulations, and policies. Provide second-signature authorization for claims processed by GS-11 and below examiners.
• Technical Guidance and Mentorship: Offer technical training, guidance, mentorship, and interpretive instructions to junior Veterans Claims Examiners. Conduct quality reviews to ensure consistent adjudication practices across the team.
• Complex Case Evaluation: Evaluate intricate or conflicting evidence, including military service documentation from multiple components, to determine sufficiency and validity for benefit entitlement.
• Decision Making: Serve as the final authority on unusual and complex claims requiring expert judgment.
• Research and Documentation: Independently develop facts and evidence, identify legal and factual issues, research precedent decisions, apply governing laws and policies, and draft determinations, notices, and correspondence.
• Stakeholder Communication: Conduct interviews and outreach via phone, in person, or electronically with veterans, claimants, representatives, school officials, and Department of Defense (DoD) stakeholders.

Requirements for the Position

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Selective Service: Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
• Probationary Period: May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Background Investigation: Subject to a background and security investigation.
• Onboarding: Selected applicants must complete an online onboarding process.
• Identification: Acceptable forms of identification are required for pre-employment requirements (I-9).

Time-in-Grade Requirements

Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the announcement's closing date. Specifically, you must have held a GS grade for at least 52 weeks at the GS-11 level (or equivalent). This experience can be in any occupation but must have been within the Federal service.

Specialized Experience (GS-12)

One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent in the normal line of progression for this occupation. This experience must include:

• Applying current laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing VA education benefits to adjudicate and authorize a wide range of claims.
• Independently addressing, evaluating, and resolving complex or unusual cases involving conflicting or incomplete evidence.
• Providing technical guidance, direction, or formal training to lower-graded examiners.
• Reviewing claims for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with governing criteria.
• Communicating workload status, program issues, and progress to supervisory or managerial personnel.
• Utilizing comprehensive knowledge of VA benefit programs, claims-processing requirements, and related educational entitlements to ensure accurate and timely benefit delivery.

Note: Experience includes paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work. Part-time experience will be credited based on hours spent. No educational substitution is permitted for this GS-12 level position.

Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, candidates who possess the following will have a distinct advantage:

• Proven ability to evaluate complex or conflicting evidence, including military service documentation, to determine benefit entitlement.
• Demonstrated skill in developing facts, researching precedent decisions, and drafting official determinations and correspondence.
• Experience conducting interviews and outreach activities with veterans, claimants, school officials, and other stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of VA benefit programs, claims processing, and educational entitlements.

Salary Overview

The annual salary for this position ranges from $93,598 to $121,680, depending on your qualifications and experience.

Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a robust benefits package to support its employees, including:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and sick leave, plus federal holidays.
• Life Insurance: Federal employee life insurance options.
• Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with a government contribution.
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): A 401(k)-like retirement savings and investment plan.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, career advancement, and continuous learning.
• Work-Life Balance: Telework may be available on a situational basis, with supervisory approval.

Application Process

To apply for the Senior Lead Veterans Claims Examiner position, please follow these steps carefully:

1. Review Announcement: Thoroughly read the entire vacancy announcement and all instructions provided.
2. Apply Online: Click the 'Apply Online' button on USAJOBS.
3. Complete Questionnaire: Answer all required application questionnaire questions accurately and completely.
4. Submit Documentation: Attach all necessary supporting documents, including:
   • A resume (limited to 2 pages) detailing your relevant experience and competencies.
   • Your most recent NON-AWARD SF-50 (for current/former Federal employees).
   • An SF-50 demonstrating your time-in-grade eligibility.
   • Transcripts (if using education to qualify).
   • Other supporting documents as required (e.g., CTAP documentation).
5. Submit Application: Click the 'Submit Application' button before the closing deadline of July 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
6. USA Hire Assessments: If required, you will receive an email with a unique link to complete USA Hire Assessments. Complete these within the specified deadline.
7. Monitor Status: Regularly check your email and USAJOBS account for application status updates and communications from the hiring agency.

Important Note: Resumes are limited to two pages. Please ensure your resume highlights the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies relevant to this position.

Application Tips

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to directly reflect the requirements and competencies outlined in this announcement. Use keywords from the job description.
• Be Specific: Clearly describe your duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments in each position listed on your resume. For federal positions, include the grade level.
• Document Verification: Ensure all submitted documents are legible, accurate, and complete. Failure to submit required documents can lead to disqualification.
• SF-50 Guidance: For Federal employees, the SF-50 is crucial for verifying status and time-in-grade. Ensure you submit the correct SF-50s as requested.
• Proofread: Before submitting, review your entire application package for any errors or omissions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What is the salary range for this position?	The annual salary for this position is between $93,598 and $121,680.
What is the work schedule?	The work schedule is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Is telework authorized?	This position is eligible for situational (ad hoc) telework only, requiring supervisory approval on a case-by-case basis. You are expected to report to the duty station each scheduled workday. Routine or recurring telework is not authorized.
What documents are needed to verify Time-in-Grade for Federal employees?	You must submit your most recent NON-AWARD SF-50. If this SF-50 does not clearly show one year of experience at the GS-11 level, provide an additional SF-50 that demonstrates this requirement. Award SF-50s are insufficient for time-in-grade verification.
Can I submit my application after the closing date?	No. All application materials must be submitted by the closing date of July 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Late submissions will not be accepted.
What are the main duties of a Senior Lead Veterans Claims Examiner?	The role involves adjudicating and authorizing complex education benefit claims, providing technical guidance and training to junior examiners, conducting quality reviews, and acting as a subject matter expert on VA education benefits laws and policies.
Do I need a specific degree for this position?	No, there is no educational substitution for this GS-12 level position. Experience is the primary qualification criterion.

This Senior Lead Veterans Claims Examiner position at the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a unique opportunity to utilize your expertise, develop leadership skills, and contribute meaningfully to the lives of veterans. If you are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role within a mission-driven organization, we encourage you to submit your application by the July 15, 2026 deadline. Join the VA and be a part of something truly impactful.