Benefit News: VA Establishes Commission to Recommend Under Secretary for Benefits

WASHINGTON —The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced the establishment of a search commission to help identify candidates for the position of Under Secretary for Benefits. 

The Under Secretary for Benefits is the senior official within the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), which oversees a variety of benefits and services to service members, Veterans and their families.

Search commission candidates will be selected based on criteria governed by law, along with appropriate skills, knowledge and attributes as leaders, managers and educators. The commission is a prerequisite to the president’s appointment of a successful candidate, subject to Senate confirmation.

By law, the appointment is made without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of demonstrated ability, both in fiscal management and in the administration of programs of VBA or of similar content and scope.

VBA includes a network of 56 regional offices and more than 21,800 employees. Nearly 4 million Veterans currently receive compensation for disabilities incurred in service or pensions for wartime Veterans, who become totally disabled in civilian life. In addition, more than a half million widows, children and parents of deceased Veterans are paid survivor compensation or death pensions.

Other programs administered by the Under Secretary for Benefits include: education benefits, vocational rehabilitation and employment for Veterans, and life insurance; as well as VA-guaranteed home loans for both active-duty personnel and Veterans.

The commission, once named, is expected to complete its work by April 20. For more information about this position, go to  usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/447997000