Sawyer Reedy
Rotonda West,FL
Summary
During my 8 plus years with the Department of Veterans Affairs I have consistently achieved a quality rating of 98% or higher while processing over 20,000 claims. I have provided one-on-one peer mentoring to 20 or more Rater, Veteran Service Representatives (RVSR), and developed and implemented training programs for new Veteran Service Representative (VSR), enhancing onboarding processes and ensuring compliance with updated manuals. I am committed to staying informed on state, local, and federal laws to improve service delivery within the Veterans Benefits Administration. I am seeking opportunities for professional growth while fostering team development and enhancing regional office standards.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Rating Veteran Service Representative (Remote)
Department of Veterans Affairs
San Juan, PR
07.2023 - Current
- Conducted one-on-one peer mentoring for other RVSRs
- Assisted in overturning errors called on other RVSRs
- Assessed requirements for military sexual trauma (MST) examinations
- Determining the rating decision of MST victims through analyzing the evidence of record and providing the best possible outcome while being accountable for those decisions
- Revised and modified decisions based on facts and evidence from previous decision maker to enhance claimant satisfaction
- Analyzed claims to determine if diseases and injuries were incurred in or aggravated by the military service in the line of duty for purposes of compensation, employment and compensation benefits
- Conducted informal hearings to obtain additional information from Veterans and/or advocate
- Provide oversight for higher level reviews
- Analyze and interpret laws, rules, regulations and agency instructions concerning the allowance or disallowance of claims
- Determine a need for examinations or reexaminations for observations of veterans and their dependents and the character of such examinations
- Determine the permanent incapacity and/or the competency of veterans and their dependents
- Apply VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities and prepare rating decisions informing veterans on the decision and the reasons and basis for it
Rating Veteran Service Representative
Department of Veterans Affairs
Louisville, KY
01.2021 - 07.2023
- Analyze claims to determine if diseases and injuries were incurred in or aggravated by the military service in the line of duty for purposes of compensation, employment and compensation benefits
- Applied VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities and prepared rating decisions, clearly communicating outcomes and rationale to Veterans Service Representatives and claimants
- Accountable for all decisions rendered which govern a wide variety of federal benefits including: Compensation, Pension, Dependency, Death, Surviving spouse/child, including child found permanently incapable of self support, Special Monthly Compensation, Character of Discharge decisions, Burial, Educational for Veterans, surviving spouse and dependents and additional claims process
- Determine a need for examinations or reexaminations for observations of veterans and their dependents and the character of such examinations
- Reviewed and ensured compliance of new policies and procedures for effective implementation
- Analyzes and interprets laws, rules and regulations
- Worked as a Fiduciary Service Representative (FSR) from January 2021 through January 2022
Veterans Service Representative
Department of Veterans Affairs
Louisville, KY
06.2018 - 06.2021
- Collaborated with a team and independently served as the primary contact for veterans and their representatives regarding compensation and pension claims.
- Gathered relevant evidence and input data necessary to generate an award decision as well as correct notifications of benefit determinations
- Apply federal, state and local laws
- Mentored 30+ new VSRs through various training stages, enhancing their development and readiness for follow-on blended teams from April to November 2020
- Conducted 473 reviews between April and June 2020, comprising 39% of the training team's total reviews, contributing to overall training effectiveness
- Received Employee of the Quarter recognition for contributions to VSR Training Program success, emphasizing quality and production in supporting VSRs with their single signature
Police Officer
Department of Veterans Affairs
Louisville, KY
02.2016 - 06.2018
- Conducted thorough on-site investigations and follow-up interviews, ensuring comprehensive background checks
- Completed informative investigative reports applicable to case law, federal, state laws and local policies and procedures
- Managed case loads efficiently, ensuring timely progress and resolution of investigations
- Maintained exemplary personal traits of honesty, morality, self-restraint, courage and obedience to the law
Administrative Specialist
Kent County Veterans Service Office
Grand Rapids, MI
02.2015 - 02.2016
- Primary contact for veterans and/or representatives regarding benefits or pensions
- Prepared and processed claims while interviewing and assisting beneficiaries to ensure regulatory compliance
- Interviewed and assisted veterans and beneficiaries to determine eligibility for benefits
- Conducted outreach with local colleges and universities to promote public interest and awareness of veteran benefits
Volunteer Experience
- Kent County Veterans Treatment Court, Mentor, Grand Rapids, MI: 2015 through 2016
- Allendale Fire Department, Firefighter, on-call, Allendale, MI: 2015
Awards
- Certificate of Advocacy, 2019
- Special Contribution Award, 2019 (x2), 2020 (x2), 2023
- Employee of the Quarter, 2020
Timeline
Rating Veteran Service Representative (Remote)
Department of Veterans Affairs
07.2023 - Current
Rating Veteran Service Representative
Department of Veterans Affairs
01.2021 - 07.2023
Veterans Service Representative
Department of Veterans Affairs
06.2018 - 06.2021
Police Officer
Department of Veterans Affairs
02.2016 - 06.2018
Administrative Specialist
Kent County Veterans Service Office
02.2015 - 02.2016