Angel Padilla
Chino,CA
Summary
Knowledgeable Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist with solid background in assisting veterans navigate complex benefits and services. Proven ability to streamline processes and resolve inquiries efficiently. Demonstrated expertise in case management and client support. Experienced with veteran benefits administration and client support. Utilizes strong case management skills to provide comprehensive assistance to veterans. Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and ability to navigate complex systems effectively.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Veterans Service Representative (VSR)
Department of Veterans Affairs
10.2022 - Current
- Firm understanding of the rating procedures; capable of reading and comprehending medical opinions. Grasps the distinct ways to service connect Veterans through direct, secondary, or presumptive conditions.
- Made administrative decisions and special determinations relating to qualifying military service, character of discharge, line of duty, or willful misconduct, and administrative error.
- Provided guidance on benefits eligibility and application processes for veterans and their families.
- Assisted veterans in navigating complex claims procedures to ensure timely access to services.
- Conducted outreach efforts to inform veterans about changes in policies affecting their benefits and services.
- Reviewed and analyzed claims submissions for accuracy, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
- Conducted in-person and telephone interviews with veterans and advocates to explain benefits and related programs.
- Assisted veterans and dependents in preparing forms and documents to present claims for benefits.
- Coordinated with team coach and assistant coach to train new employees on the development of veteran’s claims. Team coordinator for the Joint Services Records Research Center (JSRRC). A duty requiring enhanced records review and writing memorandums of formal findings.
- Assist veterans, survivors, CVSO and VSO representatives in searching for and obtaining evidence or records from any public or private entity.
- Provide enhanced Fully Develop Claim training to CVSO and VSO representatives.
- Utilize USDVA regional office reports and Excel spreadsheets to identify weekly workloads and maintain production reports for the VSD District Office Manager.
- Analyzes and interprets laws, regulations, and rules and applies them to individual claims for service compensation.
- Proven ability to respond immediately and confidently in stressful situations.
- Implements and supports I CARE values throughout each stage of the claims process, keeping Veterans welfare in mind.
Veterans Service Representative (Rating)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
01.2019 - 10.2022
- Reviewed and processed claims for disability, education, and pension benefits.
- Maintained accurate records and documentation in compliance with federal regulations.
- Increased accuracy in benefit determinations by thoroughly researching military records, medical documentation, and other relevant materials.
- Reviewed and requested medical records, military personnel records and service verification records to determine eligibility status.
- Analyzed claims to determine percentage of disability, permanent and total disability and entitlement to compensation.
- Prepared written appeals for claimants not satisfied with rating board decisions and presented arguments before hearing officers and federal government boards.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of federal regulations, policies, and procedures related to veteran benefits administration.
- Participated in regular professional development trainings to stay informed on changes affecting veterans'' access to appropriate benefits and resources.
Veterans Service Representative
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
02.2015 - 01.2019
- Assisted veterans in navigating benefits applications and military service records
- Coordinated outreach programs to educate veterans on available resources and services
- Analyzed client needs to develop personalized support plans for benefit acquisition
- Conducted workshops to enhance awareness of veterans' rights and entitlements
- Mentored junior staff on best practices for case management and documentation processes
- Collaborated with community organizations to expand support networks for veterans and families
- Improved communication with veterans by providing empathetic listening and clear explanations of benefits and procedures.
- Utilized Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) to compose correspondence letters to explain current status of applications and request additional documentation.
- Assisted in training new Veterans Service Representatives, sharing expertise on best practices and procedural guidelines.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies while managing sensitive information about veteran''s personal data securely.
- Managed caseloads effectively by prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and complexity levels for optimal results.
Veterans Service Representative
California Department of Veterans Affairs
07.2013 - 02.2015
- Led initiatives to streamline intake procedures, improving overall efficiency in service delivery
- Advocated for policy improvements based on feedback from veteran clients and stakeholders
- Provided detailed guidance on navigating complex VA systems for veterans seeking assistance with disability compensation or pension claims.
- Educated community groups about veteran benefits, resources and services available through the VA to increase awareness of program offerings.
- Streamlined case management for quicker resolutions, utilizing strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Evaluated performance data and implemented necessary adjustments, resulting in continuous improvement of service delivery to veterans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure timely processing of claims and delivery of services to veterans.
- Conducted comprehensive interviews with veterans to gather necessary information for accurate benefit assessment.
- Developed personalized action plans for veterans addressing their unique needs, resulting in higher satisfaction rates.
- Promoted positive relationships among coworkers fostering a supportive work environment where team members could collaboratively address challenges faced daily.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
California State University
San Bernardino, CA05-2013
No Degree - emergency medical technician (EMT) course
U.S. Army
Fort Sam Houston, Tx 04.2001
Skills
- Thorough in quality assurance
- Effective communication
- Collaborative teamwork
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Proactive problem-solving
- Disability evaluation
- Claims processing
- Benefits administration
- Regulations
- Patient assessment
- Time management
Leadership
- Recognized with a contribution award for team effort that included conducting training, participating in outreach events, to having a team player attitude.
- Recognized with an end of the year performance award during FY 17 for exceptional achievement in all VSR performance elements to include quality, timeliness, output, training and organizational support.
- Senior Veterans Claims Representative for the Fully Develop Claims Program’s Support Team.
- Coordinated and instructed basic lifesaving skills to non-medical personnel.
- Instructed EMT refresher classes to medical personnel.
- Assists with technical and administrative management of medical treatment facilities.
- Senior health care specialist March Reserve Air Base Riverside, California
- Senior health care specialist Fort Carson, Colorado
- Manager Audiology clinic at 121 General Hospital Seoul, South Korea
- Section leader Bennett health clinic Fort Hood, Texas
Timeline
Veterans Service Representative (VSR)
Department of Veterans Affairs
10.2022 - Current
Veterans Service Representative (Rating)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
01.2019 - 10.2022
Veterans Service Representative
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
02.2015 - 01.2019
Veterans Service Representative
California Department of Veterans Affairs
07.2013 - 02.2015
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
California State University
No Degree - emergency medical technician (EMT) course
U.S. Army
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