VA Consistency Review FAQ
What are consistency reviews, and why is this happening now?
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Merit System Audit and Compliance handles appeals about job classification and grading from federal employees. OPM's final decision may prompt agencies to conduct a “consistency review.”
A consistency review aims to ensure that positions are classified according to OPM standards and graded consistently across the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
During a consistency review, positions similar to those in an OPM appeal undergo classification assessments to ensure alignment with the appeal decision and OPM standards. This review can influence future position management and classification decisions.
On June 29, 2012, the VA halted downgrades pending talks with OPM and plans for better oversight of the classification process to ensure fairness and consistency. In spring 2023, OPM began a Classification Oversight Review of the VA. As part of OPM's recommendations on January 12, 2024, the Human Resources Management Letter (HRML 05-12-07) was discontinued, and therefore, VA has resumed the process of considering “downgrades” across the Department.
What positions are affected?
- File Clerk (GS-0305-05 & above)
- Financial Accounts Assistant (GS-503-All Grades)
- Industrial Hygienist (GS-0690-12 above)
- Purchasing Agent (OA) (GS-1105-07 & above)
- Housekeeping Aid (WG-3 & above)
- Boiler Plant Operator (WG-5402-10 & above)
What happens if my position is downgraded?
VA must classify positions by comparing current duties to OPM standards (5 U.S.C. §§ 5106, 5107, and 5112).
The effective date of any downgrade is when authorized personnel approve a classification action based on standards. The classification unit will adjust accordingly if a downgraded position receives new responsibilities.
The law and corresponding government-wide regulations provide certain grade and pay retention to affected employees who encumber impacted positions at the time of any downgrade, subject to various exceptions and limitations.
What is the union doing about this?
We're launching a campaign to urge VA Secretary Denis McDonough to reassess the necessity of VA consistency reviews, considering that OPM has already finalized the pending classification appeals, rendering additional steps unnecessary.
Given the ongoing issue of understaffing throughout the VA, it's illogical for the VA to downgrade certain positions, resulting in lower wages. This will undoubtedly exacerbate challenges in hiring and retaining quality employees.
The positions impacted are overwhelmingly held by veterans. We are urging VA to stop considering any downgrades whatsoever.
What can I do about this?
We urge our members to sign and share this petition urging Secretary McDonough to oppose any downgrades.
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