The Under Secretary is responsible for the administration of benefits provided by the Department to veterans and dependents, including compensation, pension, education, home loan guaranty, vocational rehabilitation, and life insurance.

[3] On February 27, 2018, President Donald Trump nominated Paul R. Lawrence to become the under secretary of veterans affairs for benefits.

The occupant of the position is required to be appointed without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of his or her demonstrated ability in fiscal management and the administration of programs within the Veterans Benefits Administration or programs of similar content and scope.

The president is required to communicate his reasons to Congress if the under secretary for Benefits is removed from office.

Whenever there is a vacancy in the position, the secretary of veterans affairs must set up a commission to recommend to the President candidates for appointment.