VSO Fullname:  * required Organization:  * required Address:  * required City:  * required State:  * required Zip Code:  * required VSO Telephone:  * required VSO Email:  * required Comments: Nominated by:  * required     VSO Nominees   Nominees must have completed a probationary period of claims training, if required. Nominee must be fully credentialed to serve as a VSO. Above expectation or exceptional performance appraisal ratings, as well as above expectation or exceptional performance of all assigned job duties, is necessary to be considered for an award. Nominees must demonstrate exemplary performance of activities that are above and beyond the scope of assigned responsibilities. As an example, if the VSOs job duties do not routinely include veteran or military service, but the employee represented a veteran in community service in an exemplary manner, this would qualify as appropriate for nomination. Nominations must include a supporting narrative. Nominations without the narrative will not be considered.      Standards: Supporting practices, procedures and policies. Bringing about significant positive change in support of a veteran’s goal of obtaining benefits and/or compensation. Eliminating obstacles to achieving the goal of the veteran. Innovation and proactive leadership within the organization employed by. Utilizing highly effective practices to inspire and lead veterans to help in reaching compensation or benefit goals. Proactively identifying and resolving challenges that interfere with obtaining compensation and benefits for veterans. Supporting the veteran community in ways that exceed expectations and result in unexpected positive outcomes that support veterans. Identify improvements to policies, practices and/or program designs that result in substantial cost savings or financial gain to veterans. Building positive relationships/partnerships with veterans. Developing and utilizing strong, constructive, and productive relationships that enable the goals of the veteran to be met. Improving department/division/unit morale through actions not related to job expectations.       Submission requirements:  Each nomination must have one principal nominator. An individual may serve as a principal nominator for only 1 nomination; however, a principal nominator may endorse other nominations. All multiple nominations submitted by a single principal nominator will be invalidated. Nominating materials will not be returned and are not necessary. Nominate only 1 VSO on each nomination form. Narrative statements should not exceed more than 1000 words.      How to submit a nomination   Submit nomination form by 5:00 P.M., on Thursday, December 31, 2015, by one of the following methods:   E-mail (preferred):   Mail to:   U.S. Veteran Compensation Programs VSO of the Year Nominee P.O. Box 420128 Houston, TX 77242-0128