Analyzes claims to determine if diseases and/or injuries were incurred or aggravated by military service in the line of duty for purposes of compensation, treatment, or hospitalization. Determines service-connection, percentage of disability, permanent and total disability, and entitlement to compensation, and other VA benefits.

SME in the area of military compensation benefits. Mentor/Trainer.Notable VA Accomplishments:Provided winning idea for the 2nd Annual Seattle Regional Office (RO) Summer Brainstorm Contest which resulted in a nearly 50% reduction of claim review time as well as being added to our National Manual Reference guide. Improved the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Seattle Regional Office Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) request process by reducing the waiting period from 30 days to less than 5 days; saving 480 manpower hours in claims processing each year going forward.Assisted in reducing the national backlog of VBA compensation claims by 70% in 24 months while increasing quality to records levels.Between 2014 and 2017, processed nearly 4000 claims with a potential for 576 possible issues with only 2 system compliance errors in processing. And from 2017 forward, conducted over 3000 quality reviews with only 2 non-critical errors which results in an accuracy of nearly 99%.

Interprets and applies laws, regulations, rules, and local policies when reviewing and analyzing applications for compensation benefits; gathers evidence such as service treatment records, private medical records, and personnel records; sets controls for pending issues and schedules tracking items to eliminate unnecessary delays in processing; applies controlling laws and regulations to make a determination of eligibility for benefits; writes correspondence regarding critical evidence and benefit determinations to veterans, employers and other third parties; calculates monetary award payments factoring military pay, dependency benefits, pension, and income related withholding. Served as the Seattle Regional Office’s In-House Medical Opinion (IMO) Coordinator which provides consultation, guidance, and assistance between Veterans Service Representatives, the management team, and in-house physicians.Notable Accomplishments:Developed a paperless IMO request process on SharePoint resulting in 480 hours/year in saved time as well as reduced the wait time from over 2 weeks to a month to 2 – 5 days Wrote and implemented an SOP for the IMO process for both requesters and physiciansAssisted in reducing the national backlog of compensation claims by 70% in 24 months while increasing quality to records levelsParticipated in the transition from paper files to electronic processing, implementing the largest organizational transformation in VBA history

Processes military compensation claims by gathering relevant evidence, identifying issues, completion of exam reviews. Promulgates awards and completes administrative decisions, inputs data, and generates notification letters to the veteran describing the decision and the reason for it.• Makes determinations on questions relating to adequacy of military service, adequacy of medical evidence and lay testimony to establish a claim, and evaluates evidence of income, net worth, employability, dependency, and relationship.• Adjudicates, develops and/or issues decisions, and provides notification for the most complex and sensitive claims.• Responsible for requesting and evaluating medical evidence and lay testimony submitted in connection with claims and is expected to research and develop claims by applying all pertinent laws.• Makes administrative decisions and special determinations relating to qualifying military service.• Explains a final decision if a veteran expresses an indication of dissatisfaction with a determination (filed in person, by telephone, or by mail).• Acts as advocate for veterans and their beneficiaries in their dealings with other VA elements and organizations that affect their claims.

Woman/Veteran-owned small business that focuses on sustainability by serving simple but decadent classic coffee beverages. Our mission is to enrich your day, the community, and the world.

Developed a website and Facebook page where both tourists and locals could quickly and easily access information on Seattle's most notorious places categorized by neighborhood as well as action such as Eat, Drink, See/Do. When the site was active, visitors could easily find locations for photo ops like Kerry Park and the Fremont Troll; legendary drinking holes like The Central and J & M where Seattle's famous grunge bands played; and renowned eateries like Salumi, Red Mill, and The Pink Door.

Assisted with set-up, ticketing, retail sales, customer relations, and beverage pouring at events such as Fremont Fair, Kirkland Uncorked, Fremont Oktoberfest, Hop Scotch, Washington Brewers Festival, and Bumbershoot.

Assisted with the production and execution of promotions and events such as the Capitol Hill Block Party, Bumbershoot, and Genius Awards; contributed to the success of editorials such as the Fall 2011 Cocktail Compass and 2012 Breakfast Bible; support office duties as needed. - Increased social media followers by nearly 50% streaming weekly articles through Facebook and Twitter

Developed marketing strategy and implementation tactics to support growth of the new business; planned and coordinated self-defense event to cultivate sponsor and investor interest and grow brand awareness in the South Sound.

Disseminated company information and directives to production team members and management (directly reaching 750+ employees); developed and conducted training programs; created, maintained, and tracked forms, flyers, daily newsletter, and other communications; maintained a portion of the human resources budget as well as my own work-related expenses; planned and facilitated company events and promotions such as holiday parties, softball tournament, new product launches, and award ceremonies.- Assisted more than 150 team members during annual benefits open enrollment over a two week period raising the enrollment rate by over 20% from the year before;- Developed environmentally/user-friendly virtual forms cabinet which replaced paper forms;- Commenced a partnership with Gold's Gym saving employees 40% off membership fees;- Created “Conversion" and "Transfer" application packets to assist and expedite the recruiting process; - Reorganized the company’s main forms and resources drive so that it would be current and user friendly

Welded front axles and other parts for Arial Work Platforms. Operated and maintained Mazak CNC metalworking machining tool. Assisted with fabrication projects outside of daily production targets. - Contributed to the production of over 2,500 Z45 Telescoping Boom Lifts

Developed, reconstructed, and demolished multiple bases in Kuwait and Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom to include ground up construction of a fire station, roofing of a postal office, rebuilding of a subfloor, painting, fabrication, and welding.

Opened new Kihei location, organized restaurant for open and close, expedited and served food and drinks, trained new servers, ensured a positive working environment and welcoming atmosphere to customers.Assisted with the execution of multiple events like the Maui Basketball Invitational, Earth Day, Zoo Day, and Whale Day. Responsibilities included set up, promoting product and interacting with crowd, tear down.

Contracted with such companies as Old Navy, Chevy, Pontiac, and Wheatables to promote products at events like local fairs, holiday celebrations, sporting events, and concerts.

Handled scheduling, ordering, merchandising; trained new team members; worked countless special events to include Bumbershoot annually. - Selected to work a convention where I served CEO Howard Schultz - Opened three Starbucks at various locations including Madison Park Café Starbucks, the first Starbucks café concept - Selected to work a party at the Space Needle hosted for the cast and crew of The Spy Who Shagged Me

Certified in CPR and First Aid; ensured safety of 25-50 swimmers a shift while enforcing rules and regulations; guarded 1999 Olympic trials.