Appeals Processing Clerk Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. 26-01 Department U.S. Courts
Salary $57,736.00 to $91,815.00 Grade 7 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/22/2026 Close Date 1/29/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims has exclusive jurisdiction over decisions of the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board or BVA). The Court reviews Board decisions appealed by claimants who believe the Board erred in its decision. The Court's review of Board decisions is based on the record before the agency and arguments of the parties, which are presented in a written brief, with oral argument generally held only in cases presenting new legal issues.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

Duties and Responsibilities: The Appeals Processing Clerk is responsible for managing all cases pertaining to his or her terminal digit assignment from 30 days after initial docketing until procedural or merits termination. The incumbent verifies and enters event information in an automated case management electronic case management system(s) by selecting appropriate entry codes or by creating a tailored entry. The incumbent determines if documents meet requirements of rules; if not, incumbent will return documents and describe corrective action. The incumbent establishes and monitors due dates for subsequent actions; when due dates are not met, the incumbent notifies appropriate court officials or issues show cause orders. The incumbent identifies documents that require special handling and refers them to appropriate court personnel with minimum delay. The incumbent interacts with chambers staff, other Clerk's Office staff, members of the Bar, the General Counsel's office of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the public. The incumbent acts on uncontested motions by electronically granting them, as delegated, or by referral to supervisors. The incumbent issues routine notices and orders to move cases forward. The incumbent prepares orders for the Clerk and other supervisors' signatures as prescribed by the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Requirements

Conditions of employment

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of fingerprinting and a background security investigation with favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Appeals Processing Clerk, an applicant must be a high school graduate, or the equivalent. Possession of an undergraduate degree is preferred and must have the following experience:

CS Grade Level Years of General Experience Years of Specialized Experience Total Years of Experience
7 2 2 4
8 2 3 5
9 2 4 6
Note: One year of the required experience (specialized, if that is required at the grade level) must have been at, or equivalent to, the next lower grade in the federal service.

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:

General experience is defined as progressively responsible experience that provides evidence that the applicant has (1) a good understanding of the methods and administrative machinery for accomplishing the work of an organization; (2) the ability to analyze problems and assess the practical implications of alternate solutions; (3) the ability to communicate with others, orally and in writing; and (4) the capacity to employ the knowledge, skills and abilities in the resolution of problems.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

Specialized experience is defined as progressively responsible legal experience requiring the routine use of keyboard skills and use of specialized terminology and demonstrated ability to apply a body of rules, regulations, directives, or laws. Such experience is commonly encountered in courts, law firms, legal counsel offices, banking and credit firms, educational institutions, social service organizations, insurance companies, real estate and title offices, corporate headquarters, or personnel/payroll operations, etc.

Case management experience in a federal or state court is required and knowledge of CM-ECF and electronic case management is preferred.

NOTE: The selectee will be subject to a one-year probationary period.

Education

High school graduate, or equivalent.

Additional information

Note: Applicants applying for a 5- or 10-point preference must submit proof of their eligibility, along with their signed application, for the preference to be considered.

This appointment is made without regard to Title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service. All appointments are excepted service.

One position may be filled from this vacancy announcement to work in opening new cases.

The Court does not pay relocation expenses.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Pay is only part of the generous total compensation package you will receive while working for the federal Judiciary. We offer employees a diverse group of benefit programs and family friendly flexibilities to meet the needs of you and your family.

Review our benefits

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review your resume and supporting documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and evaluate your relevant professional, educational, and work experiences as it relates to the Qualifications section above, required for this position.

Required Documents

  1. Resume,
  2. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306), available at www.uscourts.cavc.gov under Employment.
  3. School transcripts (if applicable); and
  4. SF-50 (if applicable).

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Submit information to: Human Resources Office at employment@uscourts.cavc.gov.

Please include the vacancy announcement number in the subject line.

To be considered, you must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the day the announcement closes.

The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin, disability, or political affiliation.

Agency contact information

USCAVC Human Resources Office
Email
employment@uscourts.cavc.gov
Address
US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
625 Indiana Avenue, N.W.
Suite 900
Washington, DC 20004
US

Next steps

Once your completed application package is received, we will conduct an evaluation and the selected candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for future consideration and possible interview.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.