Physician (Compensation and Pension)

About the role

The Compensation and Pension (C&P) Physician serves as a vital member of the medical staff at CWBY Bay Pines VAMC and its community-based outpatient clinics. The C&P Physician is responsible for performing comprehensive medical histories and multi-system physical examinations for Veterans - separating or retiring Service Members as part of the C&P evaluation process for disability.

Responsibilities

• Performs comprehensive medical evaluations of Veterans seeking disability benefits.
• Reviews Veterans' medical history, service treatment records, and claims-related documentation.
• Conducts structured physical examinations according to VA guidelines and protocols.
• Documents objective findings, clinical impressions, and required diagnostic testing.
• Completes Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) to assess the severity and impact of claimed conditions.
• Provides medical opinions regarding service connection, aggravation, and functional impairment.
• Ensures thorough, accurate, and timely documentation in the electronic health record.
• Maintains familiarity with VA regulations, rating criteria, and C&P policies.
• Communicates findings in clear, concise reports for use by VA adjudication staff.
• Attends ongoing training and quality assurance reviews to ensure compliance and best practices.
• Maintains all mandatory training specific to operation as a C&P clinician.
• Collaborates with other VA staff as needed regarding complex cases or clarifications.
• Maintains impartiality and objectivity throughout the evaluation process.
• Documents in report format utilizing CPRS and/or CAPRI technology per standards acceptable to VBA and DMAM.
• Maintains occupational health and employee health experience and certification.
• Maintains primary care, urgent care, emergency medicine, or equivalent clinical background/experience.

Requirements

• Currently employed physician(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation.
• Must have completed residency training, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification.
• Must have a current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
• Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Knowledge of the process/procedure for Disability and Medical Assessment (DMA) Compensation and Pension (C&P) Disability examinations.
• Board certified or board eligible in Internal Medicine - Family Practice or Emergency medicine.
• Occupational health - MRO and CDL certifications preferred but not required.
• DMA (Disability and Medical Assessment) certified to do Compensation and Pension Examinations preferred but not required at time of hire.
• Occupational health and employee health experience and certification preferred.
• Primary care - urgent care - emergency medicine or equivalent clinical background / experience preferred.

Qualifications

• To qualify for this position - you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement.
• Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
• Currently employed physician(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation.

Benefits

• Vaunted recruitment and relocation incentives (sign-on bonuses).
• Education debt reduction program (student loan repayment).
• Competitive salary - annual performance bonus - regular salary increases.
• Paid time off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME).
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).
• Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided.
• No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.

Schedule

Open continuous announcement that will remain open until filled. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Eligible applicants will be referred each week for consideration until a selection is made.

Pay

Competitive salary - annual performance bonus - regular salary increases.

Skills

• Knowledge of VA regulations, rating criteria, and C&P policies.
• Ability to communicate findings in clear, concise reports for use by VA adjudication staff.
• Ability to maintain impartiality and objectivity throughout the evaluation process.
• Experience in occupational health and employee health.
• Primary care, urgent care, emergency medicine, or equivalent clinical background/experience.

Customer Service

• Maintains courteous, tactful, and respectful manner towards customers (patients - visitors - volunteers - and all Medical Center staff).
• Communicates consistently with customers according to established policies and procedures.
• Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.
• Exhibits excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills in an inter-professional environment.
• Takes into consideration age-related differences of the various veteran populations with this institution.

Computer Security

• Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws - federal regulations - VA statutes and policy - and VHS&RA policy.
• Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss - alteration - or unauthorized deletion.
• Ensures proper chain of custody for the various paper records (C files) and other documents pertaining to this role.

Safety and Work Environment

• The work environment involves everyday risks of discomforts - which require safety precautions typical of hospitals - offices - and meeting rooms.
• Work includes working closely with others.
• May have occasional risk of physical harm from a violent resident/patient that may require special precautions and training to deal with.

Physical Requirements

• The physical demands of the work require the use of fingers - reaching above shoulder - prolong standing (6-8 hrs.) - ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously.
• Hearing aid use is permitted.

Age, Development, and Cultural Needs of Patients

• Takes into consideration "age-related" differences of the various veteran populations with this institution.
• Young adulthood (20-40): People in general have normal physical functions and lifestyles but may have been impacted by exposure to combat arenas with resultant physical and psychosocial impairments.
• Middle age (40-65): People may have developed physical problems and may have changes in lifestyles because of chronic disease - long-standing injuries - or emotional traumas.
• Older adulthood (65-75): People may be adapting to retirement and changing physical abilities.
• Middle old (74-84): People may be adapting to declines in speed of movement - reaction time - and sensory abilities.
• Old (85 and over): Increasing physical problems may develop - including memory disturbances.