How Do I Know if I’m a Protected Veteran?
As a veteran, you may have numerous benefits and protections available to you. One of these is the status of protected veteran, which can be significant in terms of obtaining benefits, employment, and educational opportunities. But how do you know if you are a protected veteran?
Understanding the Definition of Protected Veteran
The term "protected veteran" is defined under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). A protected veteran is an individual who meets the following criteria:
• Served on active duty for at least 179 days during a period of war, including the Korean conflict, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Afghanistan War, or the Iraq War
• Received a Purple Heart in service
• Is entitled to compensation under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program
• Has a disability rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Served as a member of a reserve component or national guard and was called to active duty for at least 179 days
• Has been discharged or separated with an honorable discharge, dishonorable discharge (under certain circumstances), or the character of service for a medical condition is pending for more than 21 days
How Do I Know if I Qualify as a Protected Veteran?
To determine whether you qualify as a protected veteran, you can:
- Check your military DD Form 214 ( Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) and your military personnel records. The form will indicate if you were discharged or released under honorable conditions.
- Research the specific conflicts in which you served. Check your military records or documents from the time period in question to determine if you meet the 179-day minimum active duty requirement for those conflicts.
- Ask a veterans’ service representative, such as a vocational rehabilitation counselor or a VFW representative, to assist you in determining your status.
Benefits of Being a Protected Veteran
If you are a protected veteran, you may be entitled to various benefits, including:
- Priority training: You may be able to participate in priority training for federal jobs and jobs under federal contracts.
- Employment preferences: Employers with federal contracts of $25,000 or more may be required to give you priority when considering job applicants.
- Education benefits: Many universities and colleges offer scholarship opportunities and other benefits exclusively for protected veterans.
- Home loan guarantees: You may be eligible for guarantees on home loans through programs such as the VA Guarantee Home Loan Program.
- Healthcare benefits: The VA offers a wide range of healthcare services and programs for eligible veterans.
Table: Benefits Available to Protected Veterans
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Priority Training | Priority in applying for federal jobs |
| Employment Preferences | Preference when applying for jobs with federal contractors |
| Education Benefits | Scholarship opportunities and educational benefits |
| Home Loan Guarantees | Guarantee on home loans |
| Healthcare Benefits | Eligibility for VA healthcare services |
Conclusion
Identifying yourself as a protected veteran can open doors to new opportunities and benefits. Understanding the definition and how to determine your status are key to taking advantage of these benefits. By understanding the criteria and researching your own military records, you can determine whether you qualify as a protected veteran and make informed decisions about your post-service life.
