JB EDWARDS
Clover,South Carolina
Summary
Results-oriented Veteran Service Representative with a proven ability to assess and process veteran claims efficiently. Known for strong problem-solving skills and building robust relationships with clients and colleagues alike. Committed to delivering exceptional service while ensuring veterans receive the benefits they deserve. Passionate about continuous professional development and eager to contribute to a dynamic team environment.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Rating Veterans Service Representative
Department of Veterans Affairs
Waco, TX
04.2023 - Current
- Examined claims, records and procedures to grant approval of coverage.
- Organized information by using spreadsheets, databases or word processing applications.
- Assisted claimants, providers and clients with problems or questions regarding claims.
- Conducted interviews with veterans and their families regarding service history, disabilities, and other pertinent information.
- Explained the appeal process when a claim was denied or partially approved.
- Collaborated with fellow team members to manage large volume of claims.
- Checked documentation for appropriate coding, catching errors and making revisions.
- Researched veteran records in order to determine eligibility for benefits.
- Analyzed medical reports from physicians and other healthcare providers in order to determine extent of disability due to service connected injuries or conditions.
- Informed veterans about changes in laws that affect their entitlements or benefits.
- Compiled data from various sources such as military personnel files, hospital records, legal documents in order to make a determination concerning entitlement or non-entitlement to certain benefits.
- Participated in training sessions conducted by supervisors or senior staff members.
- Prepared written summaries of findings based on review of medical evidence, veteran's statements, and other relevant documents.
- Advised veterans about their rights under federal laws governing eligibility for VA benefits.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of VA regulations, policies, and procedures related to disability ratings.
- Collaborated with other departments within the VA organization in order to ensure timely processing of claims.
- Assessed medical evidence submitted by veterans for rating decisions.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
Public Affairs Specialist, Veterans Liaison
Department of Veterans Affairs
Dallas, TX
12.2013 - 04.2023
- Provide help to the senior manager in relaying the mission and objectives of the medical center to patients, employees, and the public, to enhance confidence, understanding, and respect for the medical center.
- Develop project plans, execute each phase of the project, make suggestions, and settle any issues regarding the solutions.
- Lead the coordination and evaluation of outreach procedures that the committee needs to address.
- Render expert advice to the executive director in addressing veterans' concerns regarding the quality of service being provided.
- Guide personnel in dealing with diverse patient services issues while serving as the principal liaison with patient representatives and other services to improve service to clients.
- Carry out extensive research on inquiries while providing detailed information on all programs and activities used for communication with stakeholders.
- Investigate and respond to patient "Letters to the Director" that call for responses from the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) and the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) by exhibiting outstanding knowledge of the benefits available outside of the VHA.
- Prepare and facilitate oral presentations for large groups of stakeholders about VHA, VBA, and NCA benefits through printed and video materials.
- Interpret and deliver VHA policies to the County Service Officers (CSO) group whenever a situation arises that contradicts the goals of the organization.
- Brief community organizations and Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) about the progress of the VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS), as well as upcoming initiatives and events.
- Organize and actively participate in special events, workshops, seminars, and other meetings with diverse organizations to provide data regarding benefits, identify concerns, and follow up on issues to improve services.
- Carry out annual work, involving more than 100 combined receipts and complaint reviews from veterans, employees, government and congressional officials, as well as public members on programs and operations of the VANTHCS catchment area, which includes 40 counties and approximately 500,000 veterans.
- Earned a mentorship from the VBA rating quality review specialist on policies and procedures in providing assistance to veterans who are preparing to submit a service connection claim.
- Offer direct assistance to more than 200 veterans in 2022 and 2023 in submitting their claims for service connection, while assessing their service records to identify their eligibility for compensation, treatment, or hospitalization for the incurred diseases and/or injuries during their military service.
- Perform a thorough explanation of service connection, disability percentage, permanent and total disability, and entitlement to compensation, pension, burial, dependency indemnity compensation, special monthly compensation, vocational training, medical and dental treatment, automobiles, or other conveyances, insurance, specially adapted housing, dependent education allowances, and other ancillary benefits.
- Maintain direct interaction with veterans and their representatives or advocates to ensure on-time decision-making by facilitating interviews or hearings in person or by telephone to obtain or verify information.
- Relay the percentage, compensation, pension, and benefits of being a permanent and totally disabled veteran in the state of Texas, as well as provide handouts on special monthly compensation and resources regarding the Champ VA insurance.
- Describe the significance of VANTHCS's dental policies, Veteran Readiness and Employment Services, as well as the importance of documenting and identifying any illnesses or injuries incurred by military service.
- Organize and facilitate ceremonies for retiring employees, as well as military service birthdays and Veterans Day celebrations, that include producing a variety of materials and publications.
- Proactively attend several congressional events and the Senior Enlisted Leadership Summit at the State Capitol of Texas, briefing the governor’s staff on the advantages for veterans to enroll in the VA.
- Conduct a thorough presentation of data on the benefits of VHA, VBA, and NCA to more than 75 veterans at the 43rd National Training Institute (NTI), 2022, Blacks in Government Military Veterans Emphasis Program.
- Develop a strong working relationship with the command staff of the largest military reserve base in the region to acquire VANTHCS access to the facilities for more than 100,000 veterans, and obtain the opportunity to attend base events for enrollment and service connection claim submissions.
- Career Highlights:
- Functioned as the chair of the VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) Outreach Committee, responsible for the significant increase in enrollments from 117,000 to more than 140,000 veterans, along with the improvement of annual appointments from 900,000 to over 1 million, thus resulting in yielding the annual budget from $900M to over $1B.
- Managed and addressed issues received by the Director’s office for review, and offered service recovery for dental patients, congressional inquiries, and White House hotline inquiries, successfully maintaining an 80% resolution rate sufficient for all involved.
- Formed and sustained an exceptional working relationship with employees in the satellite VBA offices, efficiently resolving 90% of the complaints.
- I applied advanced communication and analytical practices, along with solving complex public affairs coordination, to spearhead the coordination of a two-day claims clinic at the Dallas VA Medical Center with the VBA, which resulted in the submission of more than 140 claims.
Senior Advisor, Recruiting District
United States Marine Corps
Fort Worth, TX
05.2008 - 05.2013
- Evaluated needs of departments and delegated tasks to optimize overall production.
- Managed projects related to improving processes associated with delivering services or products.
- Determined consumer needs to provide products and services appealing to larger market.
- Set specific goals for projects to measure progress and evaluate end results.
- Identified areas for improvement, narrowing focus for decision-makers in making necessary changes.
- Collaborated with internal departments to create action plans for implementing changes identified through research.
- Helped resolve problems by addressing problems analytically and with real-world data.
- Implemented strategies to take advantage of new opportunities.
- Analyzed key performance indicators to identify effective strategies.
- Worked closely with human resources to support employee management and organizational planning.
- Facilitated training sessions for new employees on company policies and procedures.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Participated in brainstorming sessions aimed at generating innovative ideas for enhancing client relations.
- Facilitated team meetings focused on identifying solutions to complex business issues.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders in order to increase awareness of company offerings.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
Education
MBA - Business Administration And Management
Northwood University
Cedar Hill, TX12-2017
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Arts, Administration And Management
Excelsior College
Albany, NY06-2014
Skills
- Veterans Benefits Expertise
- Regulatory Interpretation
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Claims analysis
- Proficient in Medical Terminology
- Self-motivation and initiative
- Claims processing proficiency
- Organizational growth
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Continuous learning mindset
- Professionalism and tact
- Analytical thinking
- Self motivation
- Verbal and written communication
- Customer service
- Negotiation tactics
- Problem-solving abilities
- Time management abilities
- Critical thinking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Conflict resolution
- Teamwork skills
Languages
French
Elementary
Affiliations
Board Member, Helping Our Heroes Organization
Life-Time Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Accomplishments
Veterans Affairs:
40-Year Federal Service Pin (1), 2024
Certificates of Appreciation (5), 2015–2022
Monetary Awards (7), 2014–2023
National HeRO Award, CY-2022, Qtr. 1 for VISN 17 (1), 2022
Military:
Legion of Merit, Nov 2013
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (9th Award), Sep 2011
Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon (2nd Award), May 2010
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (5th Award), May 2008
Iraqi Campaign Medal, Mar 2008
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Dec 2005
Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), May 2005
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Sep 2004
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sep 2004
National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Sep 2001
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3rd Award), Nov 1998
Recruiting Team ranked #1 in state out of 13 (improved from 10th place), Sep 1998
Awarded a meritorious promotion for best recruiter in the nation, Jan 1998
Ranked #1 recruiter in state out of 65 for professional recruiting, Sep 1997
Achieved 100% assigned yearly recruiting mission, 1996–1998
Ranked #1 recruiter in state out of 65 for professional recruiting, Sep 1996
Humanitarian Service Medal, Oct 1994
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sep 1994
Armed Forces Service Medal, Jul 1992
Marine Security Guard Ribbon, Dec 1991
Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), Dec 1991
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Rating Veterans Service Representative
Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2023 - Current
Public Affairs Specialist, Veterans Liaison
Department of Veterans Affairs
12.2013 - 04.2023
Senior Advisor, Recruiting District
United States Marine Corps
05.2008 - 05.2013
MBA - Business Administration And Management
Northwood University
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Arts, Administration And Management
Excelsior College
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