Frequently Asked Questions Veterans

Congress determines eligibility for veterans’ preference through law in title 5, United States Code, Section 2108 ( 5 USC 2108). However, the Federal agency to which a veteran applies for employment will adjudicate claims for veterans’ preference.  The agency will request a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other acceptable documentation in order to adjudicate claims for veterans' preference

A fillable SF-15 can be found at: http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf

No.  While OPM provides government-wide leadership on Federal programs and policies, OPM does not investigate individual complaints alleging prohibited personnel practices.  Complaints alleging prohibited personnel practices and retaliation should be directed to the Office of Special Counsel (OSC).  OSC receives, investigates, and prosecutes allegations of prohibited personnel practices and can be visited at www.osc.gov.

Visit http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/ for information pertaining to replacement of SF-50 or contact the agency you worked for Human Resources Office for assistance.

No. veterans' preference does not apply to appointments using VEOA.

You are a 5 point preference eligible if your active duty service meets any of the
         Following timeframes:

• 180 or more consecutive days, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001 and ending on a future date prescribed by Presidential proclamation or law as the last date of Operation Iraqi Freedom, OR

• Between August 2, 1990 and January 2, 1992, OR
• 180 or more consecutive days, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955 and before October 15, 1976, OR

• In a war, campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized or between April 28, 1952 and July 1, 1955.

You are a 10 point preference eligible if you served at any time, and you:

• Have a service connected disability, OR received a Purple Heart.

If you are still not sure of your preference eligibility, visit the Department of Labor's Veterans' Preference Advisor at: http://www.dol.gov/elaws/vets/vetpref/mservice.htm.

No.  There is no limit on how many times you can apply and claim an entitlement to veterans' preference.  However, it is important to remember that veterans' preference does not apply when the agency is using merit promotion procedures to fill a position.

You should contact a VA Regional Veterans Employment Coordinator (RVEC) on www.va.gov/vecs/   . These VA representatives provide direct, hands-on assistance to Veterans seeking employment or visit VA for Vets website which facilitates the reintegration, retention and hiring of Veteran employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at: http://vaforvets.va.gov/Pages/default.aspx