What is a Protected Veteran?
The concept of a protected veteran is crucial in today’s society, particularly in the context of employment and education. It is essential to understand the definition, eligibility, and benefits of being a protected veteran. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of a protected veteran, the requirements, and the advantages that come with it.
What does it mean to be a protected veteran?
A protected veteran is a term used by the United States Department of Labor (DOL) to refer to individuals who have served in the United States Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserve and have received a discharge, separation, or release that is honorable, general, or under honorable conditions. This protected veteran status is granted under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended (VEVRRA).
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered a protected veteran, an individual must meet one of the following criteria:
- Recently separated from active duty, meaning within the last 3 years
- Served on active duty during a wartime period, meaning during:
- World War II (December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946)
- Korean War (June 25, 1950, to January 31, 1955)
- Vietnam War (February 28, 1961, to May 7, 1975)
- Lebanon, Grenada, and Panama (August 24, 1982, to July 22, 1984)
- Gulf War (August 2, 1990, to December 3, 2001)
- Operation Iraqi Freedom (March 19, 2003, to December 18, 2011)
- Operation Enduring Freedom (October 7, 2001, to December 31, 2014)
- Operation Inherent Resolve (June 15, 2014, to present)
- Disabled veteran, meaning an individual who:
- Was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions and has a service-connected disability
- Was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions and has a service-connected disability and is determined to be a person with a disability (PWD) under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended
Benefits of being a protected veteran
As a protected veteran, you are entitled to several benefits, including:
- Priority placement when applying for jobs with federal agencies
- Protected veterans’ preferences when applying for certain federal job vacancies
- Reasonable accommodations in the workplace, including modifications, assistive technologies, and adaptive equipment
- Job training programs specifically designed for disabled veterans
- Tuition waivers and other educational benefits for veterans attending institutions of higher education
Additional protections
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, protected veterans also enjoy other protections, such as:
- Veterans’ Preference (5 CFR 302), which allows protected veterans to receive a 5-10 point preference in competitive hiring procedures
- Reasonable Accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which ensures that employers make reasonable efforts to provide access to individuals with disabilities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if my discharge or release is other than honorable? A: If your discharge or release is other than honorable, you may still be eligible for protected veteran status if you were released under Administrative Separation Board or a Court-Martial** decision.
Q: Can I be a protected veteran and also a person with a disability (PWD)? A: Yes, you can be both. If you are a disabled veteran with a service-connected disability, you may also be considered a PWD under the Rehabilitation Act.
Q: Can I disclose my protected veteran status if I am not actively looking for a job? A: No, you do not need to disclose your protected veteran status unless you are actively applying for a job.
Conclusion
In conclusion, being a protected veteran is a unique status that offers a range of benefits and protections under federal law. By understanding the eligibility criteria, benefits, and additional protections, veterans can make informed decisions about their employment and education prospects.
