The USB is a presidential appointee subject to Senate confirmation. Candidates for the Under Secretary position must be visionary leaders who have demonstrated an ability to conceptualize and implement the Secretary's vision and are dynamic advocates who can move an ambitious agenda forward to meet the needs of our Nation's veterans.
Candidates for the Under Secretary position must be highly effective leaders who have proven ability or potential to direct the operations of a large integrated benefits system which is committed to the high-quality of our Nation's Veterans, implement the Secretary's guidance to transform VA, and serve as an accountable and innovative steward of the human capital and financial resources to VBA. By law, the Under Secretary for Benefits shall be appointed solely on the basis of: Demonstrated ability in fiscal management; and Substantial experience in connection with the programs of the Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) or programs of similar content and scope.
The Under Secretary for Benefits (USB) provides leadership and direction for the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), one of three administrations comprising the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Under Secretary for Benefits reports directly to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary on non-medical Veterans benefits matters and is responsible for the delivery of services and benefits to Veterans and their beneficiaries. The Under Secretary serves as the Secretary's representative on matters relating to Veterans benefits programs and must be committed to the priorities, goals, and objectives of the Department. The USB also formulates and articulates VBA policies to implement the overarching policies and programs of the Department and is charged with addressing specific challenges to improve VBA's benefits delivery services in all program areas. Specifically, these challenges include ensuring timely delivery of benefits to the increasing numbers of Veterans participating in VA education programs; home loan guaranty program in a changing economy and housing market; vocational rehabilitation and counseling to disabled Veterans seeking employment opportunities; conducting outreach, communications and engagement activities, and also supporting the seamless transition from military to civilian life, accelerating the economic empowerment and independence of Service members, Veterans and their families; and providing timely and accurate disability claims decisions as the volume of new claims and the complexity of those claims continue to steadily increase. Major responsibilities also include oversight of the development of legislative initiatives, implementing policies, and providing direction for the application of innovative management techniques to increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency. The USB must possess the critical ability to successfully negotiate with stakeholders and partners at all levels and must also be able to effectively communicate VBA's major initiatives to a wide range of individuals and groups, including members of Congress, Veterans Service Organizations, other government entities, and the private sector.