EARNWorks for Veterans –
Frequently Asked Questions for Federal Employers

If you have a question that is not addressed below, please contact us at: 1-866-327-6669 (M-F, 9 AM – 5 PM, EST) or earn@earnworks.com. We will typically respond within 24 hours of receiving a message or email.

• What is Veterans’ Preference?
• Why is Veterans’ Preference given?
• Which documents must be forwarded with the federal government application in order to apply Veterans’, Preference and special hiring authorities?
• When does Veterans’ Preference apply in the federal government?
• When does Veterans’ Preference not apply?
• I’m with a federal agency that wants to appoint a veteran with a service-connected disability without competition. Are there special hiring authorities that I can utilize to make this happen quickly?
• Where can I find detailed information about special rights and privileges for veterans with service-connected disabilities in federal employment?
• Where can I find information about the Disabled Veterans Affirmative Action Plan (DVAAP)?

What is Veterans’ Preference?

In simple terms, Veterans’ Preference is adding additional points to a candidate’s final score for a competitive examination. Veterans can receive either 5 points or 10 points added to their final score, which can result in scores of 75 to 110. (Standard scores range between 70 – 100.)

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Why is Veterans’ Preference given?

Since the time of the Civil War, veterans of the Armed Forces have been given some degree of preference in appointments to federal jobs. Recognizing their sacrifice, Congress enacted laws to prevent veterans seeking federal employment from being penalized for their time in military service. Veterans’ Preference recognizes the economic loss suffered by citizens who have served their country in uniform, restores veterans to a favorable competitive position for government employment and acknowledges the larger obligation owed to disabled veterans. Veterans’ Preference in its present form comes from the Veterans’ Preference Act of 1944, as amended, and is now codified in various provisions of title 5, United States Code. By law, 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 over others in hiring from competitive lists of eligibles and also in retention during reductions in force. In addition to receiving preference in competitive appointments, veterans may be considered for special noncompetitive appointments for which only they are eligible.

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Which documents must be forwarded with the federal government application in order to apply Veterans’ Preference and special hiring authorities?

The following documents must be forwarded: A formal letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the Department of Defense (DoD), which shows the existence of a compensable service-connected disability. Valid disability documentation must be dated after 1990. (Before 1990 disability documentation had to be validated every 12 months. Disability documentation dated after 1990 is permanent and can always be used.) A DD214 that verifies dates of service, honorable discharge, etc.

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When does Veterans’ Preference apply in the federal government?

Veterans’ Preference applies to all competitive service positions, including:

• Permanent (career) jobs
• Temporary positions
• Term appointments

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When does Veterans’ Preference not apply?

Veterans’ Preference not when:

• Internal promotion procedures (when two candidates are competing for a position internally)
• Positions filled non-competitively (transfers, reassignments, etc.)
• Veterans applying under VEOA (the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act allows veterans to compete and be considered for federal government status positions but cannot use their Veterans’ Preference).

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I’m with a federal agency that wants to appoint a veteran with a service-connected disability without competition. Are there special hiring authorities that I can utilize to make this happen quickly?

Yes. Visit OPM’s VetsInfo Guide for more information.

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Where can I find detailed information about special rights and privileges for veterans with service-connected disabilities in federal employment?

You can find detailed information from the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

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Where can I find information about the Disabled Veterans Affirmative Action Plan (DVAAP)?

Most departments and agencies in the federal government are required to have an affirmative action program for the recruitment, employment and advancement of veterans with service-connected disabilities. The law requires agencies to develop annual Disabled Veterans Affirmative Action Program (DVAAP) Plans.

Each year, agencies must submit DVAAP accomplishment reports to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The accomplishment reports must describe agency efforts to promote the maximum employment and job advancement opportunities for veterans with service-connected disabilities, as well as certain veterans of the Vietnam era and of the post-Vietnam era who are qualified for such employment and advancement. As part of their submission package, each agency must include a signed statement certifying that the agency has an up-to-date DVAAP plan.

OPM provides guidance and assistance to federal agencies in developing DVAAP plans. Agency and OPM responsibilities are covered in title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulation part 720, Subpart C, and also 38 United States Code, Section 4214. OPM reviews each submission to determine whether it is consistent with the applicable law and regulations. OPM submits an Annual Report to Congress on the employment of veterans in the federal government.

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