VA stands up commission to recommend new Under Secretary for Benefits

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs established a commission to identify candidates to lead and manage the Veterans Benefits Administration.

The position is for the Under Secretary for Benefits, who oversees leadership and direction on non-medical Veterans benefits matters — which has an approximate operating budget of $6.2 billion, an average employment level of 24,700 — and a benefits budget of $135 billion for the delivery of services and benefits to Veterans and their beneficiaries.

By law, the appointment is made without regard to political affiliation and solely on demonstrated ability in providing oversight and management of this budget and the ability to develop, defend, and administer a budget of this size and complexity. Those being considered must have substantial experience in connection with the programs of VBA or programs of similar content and scope.

Major responsibilities of the post include oversight of the development of legislative initiatives, implementing policies, and providing direction for the application of innovative management techniques to increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency. The USB must possess the critical ability to successfully negotiate with stakeholders and partners at all levels and must also be able to effectively communicate VBA’s major initiatives to a wide range of individuals and groups, including members of Congress, Veterans Service Organizations, other government entities and the private sector.

Other duties include formulating and articulating VBA policies to implement the overarching policies and programs of the department and addressing specific challenges to improve VBA’s benefits delivery services in all program areas. This entails:

– Accelerating the economic empowerment and independence of service members, Veterans and their families.

– Conducting outreach, communications and engagement activities.

– Ensuring timely delivery of benefits to the increasing numbers of Veterans participating in VA education programs.

– Providing home loan guaranty program in a changing economy and housing market.

– Providing vocational rehabilitation and counseling to disabled Veterans seeking employment opportunities.

– Supporting the seamless transition from military to civilian life.

– Providing timely and accurate disability claims decisions as the volume of new claims and the complexity of those claims continue to steadily increase.

VBA helps Veterans build civilian lives of opportunity and well-being through the effective use of benefits and services. Through an integrated program of non-medical benefits authorized by law to Veterans, their dependents and survivors, VBA administers a broad range of benefits and services through 56 regional offices, 540 Intake sites and out-based facilities, and 38 special processing and call centers. These offices and facilities are located nationwide with at least one regional office in every state including Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

Learn more information about the position.