What is 10-Point Veterans Preference?
The 10-point veterans preference is a special hiring advantage granted to eligible veterans and their family members when applying for federal jobs. This preference is awarded to those who have a compensable service-connected disability, which is a physical or mental condition that is connected to their military service and is rated at a certain percentage by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This preference is a way for the federal government to recognize the sacrifices and contributions made by military service members and their families.
Eligibility for 10-Point Veterans Preference
To be eligible for the 10-point veterans preference, a veteran must have a compensable service-connected disability, which is defined as:
- A physical or mental condition that was caused by or made worse by military service
- A condition that is rated at 10% or higher by the VA
- A condition that is compensable under the VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD)
Some examples of compensable service-connected disabilities include:
• Hearing loss
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations
• Visual impairments
Benefits of 10-Point Veterans Preference
The 10-point veterans preference provides several benefits to eligible veterans, including:
- Higher ranking: Eligible veterans are given a higher ranking when applying for federal jobs, which increases their chances of being selected for the position.
- Preference in hiring: Eligible veterans are given preference in the hiring process, which means that they are given more consideration than non-veterans when applying for federal jobs.
- Enhanced job opportunities: The 10-point veterans preference opens up more job opportunities for eligible veterans, as they are given a competitive edge in the hiring process.
How to Claim 10-Point Veterans Preference
To claim the 10-point veterans preference, eligible veterans must follow these steps:
- Get a copy of your VA disability rating letter: Eligible veterans must obtain a copy of their VA disability rating letter, which outlines their service-connected disability rating.
- Submit the letter with your application: When applying for a federal job, eligible veterans must submit a copy of their VA disability rating letter with their application.
- Certify their disability: Eligible veterans must certify their disability by signing and dating a statement that confirms their eligibility for the 10-point veterans preference.
Other Forms of Veterans Preference
In addition to the 10-point veterans preference, there are other forms of veterans preference that may be available to eligible veterans. These include:
- 5-point veterans preference: This preference is granted to veterans who do not have a compensable service-connected disability, but have at least 90 days of active duty during wartime or at least 181 days of active duty during peacetime.
- Preference for disabled veterans: This preference is granted to veterans who have a service-connected disability of 30% or higher.
- Preference for recently separated veterans: This preference is granted to veterans who have been discharged or released from active duty within the past three years.
Table: 10-Point Veterans Preference
| Compensable Service-Connected Disability | 10% or Higher | VA Disability Rating Letter | Certify Disability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Yes | |||
| Benefits | Higher ranking, preference in hiring, enhanced job opportunities | |||
| Steps to Claim | Submit VA disability rating letter with application, certify disability |
Conclusion
The 10-point veterans preference is a valuable benefit granted to eligible veterans and their family members when applying for federal jobs. By providing a higher ranking, preference in hiring, and enhanced job opportunities, this preference helps to recognize the sacrifices and contributions made by military service members and their families. Eligible veterans can claim this preference by following the steps outlined in this article and submitting the necessary documentation with their application.
