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Va Disability Rater Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

DEAN Adventure Camps

Lead VA Woodworker

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Pay range: $21-24/hr - exact rate is determined by state minimum and experience. * FLSA Status ... disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, or any other category ...

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Va Disability Rater information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a VA Disability Rater, and why are they important?

To thrive as a VA Disability Rater, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, federal regulations, and the VA disability claims process, often supported by relevant experience or education in healthcare or law. Familiarity with VA claims management systems, medical coding software, and proficiency in using databases is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear written communication are vital soft skills for evaluating complex case files and conveying decisions. These skills ensure accurate, fair, and timely adjudication of veterans' disability claims, directly impacting veterans' access to benefits.

What are VA Disability Raters?

VA Disability Raters are specialized employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who review veterans’ medical records and service history to determine eligibility and assign disability ratings for compensation claims. They carefully evaluate all submitted documentation to ensure fair and accurate ratings based on the severity of the veteran's service-connected conditions. Their work directly impacts the benefits that veterans receive, making their role crucial in the VA disability compensation process.

What are some common challenges faced by VA Disability Raters, and how can they be managed effectively?

VA Disability Raters often encounter challenges related to managing a high caseload and ensuring accuracy while reviewing complex medical and military service records. Balancing thoroughness with efficiency is crucial, as errors can impact veterans' benefits and overall satisfaction. Effective time management, ongoing training, and open communication with medical experts and colleagues can help mitigate these challenges. Additionally, staying updated on policy changes and best practices is essential for maintaining high-quality service.

What is the difference between Va Disability Rater vs Va Claims Examiner?

AspectVa Disability RaterVa Claims Examiner
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in VA policiesHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in claims processing
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, reviewing disability claimsOffice setting, evaluating and processing claims
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. Department of Veterans AffairsU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

The Va Disability Rater primarily reviews and assigns disability ratings based on medical evidence, while the Va Claims Examiner processes and evaluates claims, ensuring proper documentation and compliance. Both roles require similar credentials and work within the VA, but their core responsibilities differ in focus: rating versus claims processing.

What are popular job titles related to Va Disability Rater jobs in Virginia? For Va Disability Rater jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Va Disability Rater jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Va Disability Rater jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Va Disability Rater jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Va Disability Rater job openings:
Va Disability Rater jobs near you
Infographic showing various Va Disability Rater job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Personal Security Specialist (Adjudicator) - Arlington, VA

MSCCN

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Description
ATTENTION MILITARY AFFILIATED JOB SEEKERS - Our organization works with partner companies to source qualified talent for their open roles. The following position is available to Veterans, Transitioning Military, National Guard and Reserve Members, Military Spouses, Wounded Warriors, and their Caregivers. If you have the required skill set, education requirements, and experience, please click the submit button and follow the next steps. All positions are onsite, unless otherwise stated.
Personnel Security Specialist (Adjudicator)
Series & Grade: GS 0080 11/12
Promotion Potential: GS 12
Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Organization: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Office: Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO), Personnel Security Division (PSD)
Duty Location(s): Arlington, VA
Work Schedule: Full time
Appointment Type: Permanent
Clearance: TS/SCI (ability to attain)
Who May Apply:
  • Veterans with a 30% or more service-connected disability rating
  • Individuals eligible under Schedule A (5 CFR 213.3102(u))

Summary:
This position is located in the Personnel Security Division (PSD) within the Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). PSD is responsible for determining the suitability, fitness, and national security eligibility of applicants, employees, contractors, and other affiliates who require access to CISA facilities, information, and systems.
The Personnel Security Specialist (Adjudicator) reviews and adjudicates background investigations, applies personnel security and suitability standards, and supports the overall integrity of CISA's personnel security and clearance program. Positions may be filled at the GS 11 or GS 12 grade level with promotion potential to GS 12.
Duties:
As a Personnel Security Specialist (Adjudicator), you will:
  • Review and evaluate background investigation files and other security relevant information for applicants, employees, contractors, and State, local, tribal, and private sector partners requiring access to classified or sensitive information.
  • Assess the scope and sufficiency of investigations based on position risk and sensitivity levels; identify derogatory information and determine whether additional inquiries are needed.
  • Apply Security Executive Agent Directives (SEADs), Federal Investigative Standards (FIS), and DHS/CISA personnel security policies to support determinations regarding:
    • Suitability for Federal employment;
    • Fitness to work for or on behalf of the Federal Government;
    • Eligibility to occupy national security positions;
    • Eligibility for access to classified National Security Information (NSI) and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
  • Conduct or support pre employment checks and personnel security interviews to clarify issues, verify information, and resolve discrepancies.
  • Prepare clear, well documented case summaries, letters of interrogatory, eligibility notifications, and notices of adverse action, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and procedural requirements.
  • Coordinate with investigative and adjudicative components (e.g., OPM, DHS, FBI, CIA, NSA, and other agencies) to obtain information, resolve discrepancies, and stay current on investigative procedures and emerging threats.
  • Support and, at the higher grade, lead elements of key personnel security programs, such as:
    • Continuous evaluation and reinvestigations;
    • Quality assurance reviews of cases;
    • Industrial security and classified visit programs;
    • Security awareness and training initiatives.
  • Maintain liaison with program managers and other stakeholders, provide status updates on cases, explain determinations, and advise on personnel security policies and processes.
  • Use judgment to interpret and apply guidelines and propose procedural improvements that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of personnel security operations.

At the GS 12 level, you will also:
  • Independently review complex and sensitive cases and make final adjudicative decisions on suitability, fitness, and NSI/SCI eligibility, including cases involving waivers, conflicting or insufficient data, and unique or precedent setting issues.
  • Serve as a senior adjudicator and technical authority, reviewing work produced by lower graded specialists, providing feedback, and ensuring that determinations are consistent with established criteria.
  • Help plan and prioritize workloads for the team; recommend adjustments to balance tasks and meet production goals and deadlines.
  • Implement and help manage vital personnel security program elements (continuous evaluation, quality assurance, reinvestigations, industrial security, and security awareness).
  • Represent PSD in meetings and at formal hearings, and, as needed, testify regarding clearance processes, adjudicative criteria, and the rationale for adverse decisions.

Certificates/Security Clearances/Other
Requirements (Conditions of Employment):
  • You must be a U.S. citizen.
  • You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.

Additional Qualifications/Responsibilities
Requirements (Conditions of Employment):
  • You must be a U.S. citizen.
  • You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.
  • This position is designated as Special Sensitive/High Risk.
  • You will be subject to pre employment drug testing and random drug testing thereafter.
  • This position may be designated as essential personnel; you may be required to support continuity of operations regardless of office closure or liberal leave.
  • You may be required to complete a one year probationary period, if not previously completed.
  • You must file an OGE 450 Confidential Financial Disclosure Report upon entry and annually.
Qualifications:
  • Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs and other organizations. Your resume must include month/year dates and hours worked per week for each position.

To qualify at the GS 11 level:
You must have one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS 9 level (or equivalent) performing duties such as:
  • Reviewing and evaluating background investigations or similar case files to identify derogatory or disqualifying information.
  • Applying personnel security or suitability policies, standards, or guidelines (e.g., SEADs, FIS, agency PS policies) to support determinations on eligibility for employment or access to sensitive or classified information.
  • Conducting or supporting pre employment or clearance related checks and resolving discrepancies through records review or follow up inquiries.
  • Preparing written case summaries, correspondence, or recommendations for use in personnel security or suitability decisions.
  • Assisting with or participating in personnel security program activities, such as continuous evaluation, reinvestigations, industrial security, or security awareness efforts.
Education may be substituted for specialized experience at the GS 11 level in accordance with OPM qualification standards if permitted by DHS policy; see the official announcement for details, if applicable.
To qualify at the GS 12 level:
You must have one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS 11 level (or equivalent) performing duties such as:
  • Independently reviewing complex background investigations and making final decisions or formal recommendations regarding suitability, fitness, national security eligibility, and NSI/SCI access.
  • Interpreting and applying adjudicative guidelines and executive order based criteria to unique or complex cases, including cases involving conflicting or incomplete information and potential waivers.
  • Identifying the need for additional investigative work, requesting supplemental information, and evaluating all available information to reach defensible determinations.
  • Implementing and/or leading key elements of personnel security programs, such as continuous evaluation, quality assurance, security awareness, or reinvestigations, and proposing improvements to policies or procedures.
  • Providing authoritative guidance on personnel security matters to program officials or lower graded specialists, and preparing or reviewing high impact correspondence (e.g., adverse action notices, eligibility determinations) and/or testifying or preparing for formal hearings on clearance decisions.
There is no substitution of education for the required specialized experience at the GS 12 level.
How You Will Be Evaluated:
You will be evaluated based on:
  • Your resume and supporting documentation; Your responses to an occupational questionnaire; and
  • Any additional assessments required for this announcement.
  • Your resume must support your answers to the questionnaire. If your resume does not clearly demonstrate the specialized experience described above, you may be found not qualified or your score may be adjusted.

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