Did you know? Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference in hiring for many Federal government jobs—including jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This is called Veterans’ Preference. Prioritizing Veteran hires allows VA and other Federal agencies to benefit from the unique skills Veterans gained in the military and give back to those who served our country.
To claim Veterans’ Preference, a Veteran must meet the following legal requirements:
- Have been honorably discharged
- Have retired at a rank lower than major or lieutenant commander or have a service-connected disability
National Guard and reserve personnel on active duty for training purposes do not qualify.
Veterans who do qualify will receive a 0, 5, or 10-point preference based on their qualifications. To learn more about the Veterans’ Preference point system, visit the Office of Personnel Management’s website.
Despite existing in some form since the Civil War, there are still some misconceptions about Veterans’ Preference. Let’s clear up a few common ones.
Misconception #1: Veterans’ Preference applies to all Federal jobs.
Veterans’ Preference applies to many Federal jobs. However, it does not apply to positions in the Senior Executive Service or Executive Branch positions that require Senate confirmation. It also does not apply to Title 38 positions, which focus on direct patient care and research roles within the VA health care system.
Misconception #2: Veterans’ Preference can help Veterans get promotions.
Veterans’ Preference provides Veteran candidates with an advantage in the hiring process for new roles. It does not apply to promotions, reassignments, transfers, or reinstatements.
Misconception #3: Veterans’ Preference guarantees Federal employment for Veterans.
While Veterans’ Preference does give Veterans an edge in the selection process, they still need to meet job requirements and qualifications. While hiring managers must give priority consideration to qualified Veterans, they still get to decide the best candidate for the job
Misconception #4: Only Veterans with a service-connected disability are eligible for Veterans’ Preference.
Both disabled and non-disabled Veterans can be eligible for Veterans’ Preference. However, Veterans with a disability rating may receive additional points. For instance, Veterans who have a service-connected disability or received a Purple Heart are eligible for a 10-point preference.
Misconception #5: The Executive Branch can change Veterans’ Preference.
The Veterans’ Preference Act of 1944 strengthened existing preference rules by giving them legislative sanction. This means that any changes to Veterans’ Preference must be obtained through legislation since it is codified in various provisions of Title 5 in the U.S. Code.
To learn more about claiming Veterans’ Preference in your application or other special hiring authorities you may qualify for, review this information on USAJOBS.
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