VICKI FIGOL

Veteran Affairs (VA) Disability Benefits Case Manager

Vicki is very passionate about helping people and has followed that passion throughout her personal and professional life. While living abroad in the Middle East and experiencing firsthand the difference in personal freedoms she had in the United States vs there, Vicki gained a deeper appreciation and respect for our active service men and women and veterans. As a veteran herself and a mother, Vicki also understood the worry and frustration to be a parent of a veteran who is “boots on the ground”. Years later when she embarked on a career change, Vicki entered the legal profession as a legal assistant where she discovered the world of VA Disability Benefits Claims. Vicki quickly realized the disability claims process was time-consuming and overwhelming for her clients and their family.

Vicki is empathic to the frustrations felt by those submitting claims and waiting for an answer from the VA. Determined to alleviate these negative feelings, Vicki works diligently to ensure the appropriate and correct forms and paperwork are submitted in a timely manner and presents and argues well-prepared briefs as needed. She utilizes her medical background to understand the terminology of the conditions, symptoms, and treatment documented in service training records and VA medical records. She uses this knowledge to ensure her clients receive the correct disability rating for their claims.

Vicki is flexible to adversity and is always willing to expand her knowledge. She is not afraid to dig in and tackle new challenges. This tenacity and drive to work hard, along with her caring attitude and ability to quickly develop a rapport with others, helps her build lasting relationships with her clients. She communicates effectively to ensure no questions are left unanswered. Vicki feels by positively impacting the lives of veterans, she has a new meaning and purpose in life.

EXPERIENCE

Vicki brings more than 15 years of experience working in operations and administration. This experience is vital to her success as a case manager. She also utilizes her military, martial arts training, and self-discipline to stay focused, organized, and on task. Vicki is a proud veteran of the United States Air Force where she served two years as a cardiopulmonary specialist. The medical knowledge she gained during her time in the Air Force is an asset to both her clients and the firm.

Vicki was also a Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) certified caregiver. She supported residents and patients – many elderly or with physical or mental disabilities – complete basic tasks, ensuring their personal care and healthcare needs were met.

Vicki is from a small hometown and was raised with strong family values. She has passed these values down to her own family. Vicki has several martial arts black belts and was an instructor. She also ran her own decorative painting business and state-certified daycare.

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION AND PARTICIPATION

Vicki has participated in numerous professional organizations and events, and has been professionally recognized.

President’s List (Dec. 1990)

Dean’s List (Sept. 1990)