Become a Decision Review Officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to serving those who have served our nation. As a Decision Review Officer (DRO) in the Columbia Regional Benefit Office, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that veterans receive accurate, fair, and timely benefit decisions. This position is a critical component of the VA's quality assurance framework.
Job Responsibilities
As a Decision Review Officer, your primary mission is to measure performance quality. You will:
- Perform individual quality reviews for DROs and Rating Veterans Service Representatives.
- Conduct in-process reviews for station-level feedback.
- Identify training gaps and deliver technical guidance.
- Prepare comprehensive STAR data reports.
- Develop quality assurance processes that enhance operational efficiency.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-13 position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Hold current status as a permanent Columbia Regional Benefit Office employee or be a CTAP-eligible candidate.
- Possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level.
- Adhere to the mandatory 2-page resume limit.
Comparison Table: Qualifications
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | No educational substitution at GS-13 |
| Time-in-Grade | Must have 52 weeks at GS-12 |
| Clearance | Moderate Risk (MR) Suitability |
| Schedule | Mon-Fri, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $106,437 to $138,370 annually. In addition to competitive pay, the VA offers a robust benefits package including health insurance, retirement contributions, and federal leave programs.
Application Tips
- Focus on Quality: Highlight your experience in claims management.
- Documentation is Key: Ensure all SF-50s are clear and represent your grade level.
- Follow Formatting Rules: Use standard, readable fonts and maintain 0.5-inch margins.
If you are a motivated federal employee looking to use your analytical skills to improve veteran service, this position in Columbia offers a unique path to professional growth. Apply by July 22, 2026, to ensure your materials are considered.
Why This Decision Review Officer Job Matters
Advance your career in quality assurance by joining the Columbia Regional Benefit Office as a Decision Review Officer, where your expertise directly impacts the service we provide to our nation's veterans.
Decision Review Officer Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Decision Review Officer within the Columbia Regional Benefit Office. In this high-impact role, you will perform technical quality reviews and serve as a key advisor to support the integrity and effectiveness of our benefits and claims processing systems.
Requirements for Decision Review Officer
- U.S. Citizenship
- Current, permanent employee of the Columbia, SC, VBA Regional Office or current/former VA employee with CTAP eligibility
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent
- Ability to meet time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level
- Completion of a 1-year probationary or trial period
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Must be able to provide non-award SF-50 documentation
Preferred Qualifications for Decision Review Officer
- Experience in training and development of claims staff
- Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative analysis of claims data
- Strong background in information systems related to claims management
- Demonstrated ability to identify knowledge gaps and implement training strategies
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance options
- ✓Comprehensive retirement planning including FERS
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Opportunities for situational telework
- ✓Structured career advancement within the federal government
- ✓Access to Employee Assistance Programs
💡 How to Apply Decision Review Officer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Decision Review Officer Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
- Ensure your resume is formatted to the strict 2-page limit.
- Gather all required SF-50 forms, specifically those documenting time-in-grade.
- Complete the online application and questionnaire at the USA Staffing portal.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 p.m. EST on July 22, 2026.
- Monitor your email for potential USA Hire assessment invitations.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all formatting constraints.
- Be specific with your start and end dates (month/year) for every position listed.
- Focus on results-oriented language rather than just listing job descriptions.
- Double-check that your SF-50 documents clearly show your grade, tenure, and series.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is not a virtual position. It is based in Columbia, SC, and while situational telework may be authorized, the selectee is expected to report to the office.
Can I submit a three-page resume?
No. Federal agencies now require resumes to be two pages or less. Submitting a resume longer than two pages will result in immediate disqualification.
What if I do not have a recent SF-50?
You must provide your most recent non-award SF-50. If you cannot demonstrate one-year time-in-grade, you must provide additional SF-50s to confirm your history.
Job from Veterans Benefits Administration
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is at the forefront of a major transformation. We are a people-centric organization driven by our "I CARE" core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Working here means joining a community dedicated to honoring the promise made to our nation’s heroes.