Advance Your Career as a Decision Review Officer (Rating Quality Review Specialist) with the VA

Are you a dedicated professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring for a Decision Review Officer (Rating Quality Review Specialist). This critical position serves as the backbone of the Veterans Service Center’s quality assurance program. By working with the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) in Oakland or Sacramento, you will play a vital role in ensuring that our nation's Veterans receive the accurate benefits and support they have earned through their service.

Job Responsibilities

As a Rating Quality Review Specialist, you are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the claims process. Your day-to-day duties will include:

Quality Reviews: Conducting rigorous audits of rating decisions to measure the performance of Decision Review Officers (DROs) and Rating Veterans Service Representatives (RVSRs).
Trend Identification: Analyzing statistical data to identify systemic weaknesses or training needs within the regional office.
Technical Guidance: Providing expert advice to staff regarding complex rating issues and policy implementation.
Documentation: Preparing detailed STAR reports and supporting documentation to justify error findings and improvement recommendations.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following criteria by the closing date of November 2, 2026:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Time-in-Grade: Federal employees must have at least 52 weeks of service at the GS-12 level.
Documentation: A resume (max two pages) and current SF-50.
Security: Ability to pass a background/suitability investigation.

Salary and Comparison

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$117,984 - $172,980 per year
Pay Scale	GS-13
Location	Oakland or Sacramento, CA
Job Schedule	Full-Time (Monday - Friday)

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Comprehensive health insurance with government-subsidized premiums.
Opportunities for flexible work schedules and ad hoc telework.
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages. The system will flag anything longer.
Specificity: Clearly list your start/end dates and federal grade levels. Vague summaries will lead to disqualification.
Prepare for Assessments: If prompted for the USA Hire assessment, set aside two hours of quiet time to ensure you perform your best.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the quality of services provided to Veterans. If you possess the analytical skills and the commitment to excellence required for this GS-13 position, we encourage you to apply. Help us ensure that the promise to our Veterans is kept with the highest standards of accuracy and care.

Why This Decision Review Officer (Rating Quality Review Specialist) Job Matters

Make a lasting impact on the quality of care for those who served our nation by joining the VA’s elite Quality Assurance team.

Decision Review Officer (Rating Quality Review Specialist) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Decision Review Officer (Rating Quality Review Specialist) to join the Veterans Benefits Administration in Oakland or Sacramento, California. In this pivotal role, you will champion excellence by evaluating rating decisions, identifying training needs, and ensuring our Veterans receive the accurate and compassionate service they deserve.

Requirements for Decision Review Officer (Rating Quality Review Specialist)

U.S. Citizenship
Registration with the Selective Service (if born after 12/31/1959)
Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period
Current federal employees must demonstrate 52 weeks of time-in-grade at the GS-12 level
Background and security investigation clearance
Submission of a resume limited to two pages
Submission of recent non-award SF-50 documentation

Preferred Qualifications for Decision Review Officer (Rating Quality Review Specialist)

Substantive experience in claims management systems
Expertise in identifying knowledge or skill gaps to design effective training strategies
Proven background in statistical analysis for quality assurance improvement
Strong technical knowledge of Compensation and Pension service regulations
Demonstrated ability to influence and negotiate professional outcomes

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Generous paid federal holidays and vacation leave
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Flexible and compressed work schedule options
✓Opportunities for professional growth within the Department of Veterans Affairs

💡 How to Apply Decision Review Officer (Rating Quality Review Specialist) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Decision Review Officer (Rating Quality Review Specialist) Job

Log into your USAJOBS account and create a profile.
Draft a concise, results-oriented resume (maximum two pages).
Gather your most recent SF-50 and relevant performance appraisals.
Click the Apply Online button and complete all mandatory questionnaires.
Submit your application and all required documentation by the deadline of November 2, 2026.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the USA Hire Competency Assessments.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page formatting requirement.
Be specific about your dates of service (month/year) and federal grade levels in your resume.
Upload your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Review your application status frequently via the USAJOBS portal to track assessment progress.
Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates your time-in-grade; if the most recent one is under a year old, include an older one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is not a virtual position. While the role may allow for situational (ad hoc) telework, you are expected to report to the official duty station regularly.

What is the maximum page length for my resume?

Per agency policy, your resume must be no longer than two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will result in disqualification.

Do I need to submit an SF-50 if I am a federal employee?

Yes, you must submit your most recent non-award SF-50 as well as an SF-50 that verifies your time-in-grade (one year at the GS-12 level).

Job from Veterans Benefits Administration

The Veterans Benefits Administration is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who shall have borne the battle, and for their widow, and their orphan." Our culture is defined by the "I CARE" values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Joining the VA means becoming part of a community dedicated to serving the men and women who have defended our country.