Veterans Affairs Officer

This position is a bargaining unit position which assists veterans and their dependents with applications for benefits offered by the Federal State and County governments.

• Assist veterans/dependents in applying for available federal benefits administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs by initiating or reopening claims.
  1. Complete initial application or reopen existing claims for compensation (service-connected disabilities) or pension (non-service-connected disability).
  2. Research medical conditions and obtain necessary medical records and statements from physicians to support the claim(s).
  3. Obtain necessary financial information and corroborating information and documents from the veterans former military buddies family members or other sources.
  4. Assist eligible veterans in filing substantially complete applications for education benefits through the GI Bill or vocational rehabilitation programs.
  5. Contact and assist survivors of a deceased veteran in obtaining death benefits such as burial in a national cemetery burial allowances government grave marker government life insurance proceeds and survivor benefits.
  6. Advise and assist veterans on all phases of government life insurance.
  7. Assist a veteran or the eligible survivor of a veteran in obtaining Veterans Administration home loan benefits.
  8. Ensure that all timelines are met so the veteran does not lose any potential benefits.
  9. Enter all claims information into the Veterans Information System program.
  10. Keep in contact VA Officials and the veteran Power of Attorney (POA) concerning the status of individual claims.
• Assist veterans/dependents in potential appeals of denied claims to the US Department of Veteran Affairs or the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington D.C.
  1. Assist veterans in obtaining medical financial or other information necessary for the appeal.
  2. Assist veterans in preparation for personal hearings at the VARO to include accompanying them to the hearing if necessary.
  3. Ensure that all timelines are met so the veteran does not lose any potential benefits.
• Assist veterans in obtaining necessary inpatient and outpatient care from the VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and Community Based Outreach Clinics (CBOCS).
  1. Assist in completing required paperwork and obtain all necessary records for the VAMCs or CBOCs to accept the veteran for care as an inpatient or outpatient.
  2. Work with the VAMCs or CBOCs to schedule necessary appointments for the veteran.
  3. Work with VA professional in obtaining public health services home health care or placement in local nursing homes or the Pennsylvania Veteran Homes.
• Assist veterans in applying for available Pennsylvania State benefits administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (PDMVA) by initiating or reopening claims.
  1. Complete initial application or reopen existing claims for the following state benefits for veterans and their dependents:
     • Emergency Assistance
     • Real Estate Property Tax Exemption
     • Blind Pension
     • Paralyzed Pension
     • Educational Gratuity
     • Other benefits enacted by statute
  2. Assist Veterans through outreach efforts at local State Legislature Offices
  3. Effectively fulfill all legal requirements for Veteran Benefits provided for by Pennsylvania Statutes
• Assist veterans and their dependents in applying for County Veteran Benefits:
  1. Burial Benefits
  2. Veteran ID Cards
• Attend workshops seminars conferences and training as directed so as to be knowledgeable regarding the latest changes to the Federal and State laws which govern veteran benefits.
• Miscellaneous Duties
  1. Present information to the different county veterans organizations to brief members on changes to existing veteran benefit programs.
  2. Present information regarding veteran benefits to community organizations at their request.
  3. Responsible for keeping of office records including file generation HIPPA compliance and retention policy and standards.
  4. Orders supplies and services for the Luzerne County Veteran Affairs Office as needed.
  5. Other duties necessary for the efficient operation of the Veteran Affairs Office necessary to provide useful and timely assistance to Luzerne County Veterans and their dependents.

• In order to be eligible for appointment as a Veteran Service Officer for Luzerne County a person must within one year of accepting the position obtain and maintain a United States Department of Veterans Affairs accreditation in accordance with the provisions of 38 CFR 14.629 (relating to requirements for accreditation of service organization representatives; agents; and attorneys) with one of the following organizations:
  1. Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran Affairs
  2. National Association of County Veteran Service Officers
  3. Other Veteran Service Organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with either an Associates Degree or Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree; or One to two years related experience and/or training; or Equivalent combination of education experience