What is a Protected Veteran on a Job Application?
When filling out a job application, veterans may come across the question "Are you a protected veteran?" or "Are you a disabled veteran or veteran with a service-connected disability?" But what exactly does it mean to be a protected veteran? This article will delve into the definition, eligibility criteria, and benefits of being a protected veteran on a job application.
Definition:
A protected veteran is a veteran who is protected under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA) and the Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002. These laws extend protections to veterans who were discharged or released from the military under honorable conditions. Protected veterans include
- Vietnam-era veterans, who served on active duty during the Vietnam era
- Post-9/11 veterans, who served on active duty after September 11, 2001
- Armed forces service medal veterans, who served on active duty after June 28, 1974, and earned a campaign medal
- Recently separated veterans, who left the military within three years of their discharge or separation date
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered a protected veteran, an individual must:
- Have served in the military for at least one day
- Have received an honorable discharge or other than honorable discharge (OOH) under certain conditions
- Have not refused to extend their military tour of duty
- Be a veteran of a qualifying conflict or period, including:
- Vietnam-era veterans: served on active duty during the Vietnam era (from August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975)
- Post-9/11 veterans: served on active duty after September 11, 2001
- Armed forces service medal veterans: served on active duty after June 28, 1974, and earned a campaign medal
- Recently separated veterans: left the military within three years of their discharge or separation date
Benefits:
Protected veterans are entitled to a range of benefits, including:
- Equal opportunity employment: Protected veterans have the right to equal access to job opportunities and promotion, free from discrimination due to their veteran status
- Pre-selection notification: Employers are required to notify protected veterans that they are being considered for a job or promotion based on their veteran status
- Priority processing of applications: Employers are required to give priority consideration to protected veterans’ applications for employment
- Job accommodations: Employers may be required to provide job accommodations to protected veterans who have a service-connected disability
- Compensatory damages: In the event of discrimination or denial of equal opportunity employment, protected veterans may be eligible for compensatory damages, including back pay, punitive damages, and other appropriate relief
Reporting as a Protected Veteran:
When filling out a job application, protected veterans have the option to choose to self-identify as a protected veteran or not self-identify. If an applicant chooses to self-identify, they will be included in the employer’s recruitment and hiring process.
- Self-identification benefits: By self-identifying as a protected veteran, applicants can benefit from the protections and benefits afforded to them under the laws mentioned above
- Confidentiality: Any information provided by the protected veteran regarding their status or service-connected disability is protected and confidential
Why Self-Identification is Important:
Self-identification as a protected veteran can have a significant impact on the hiring process and benefits received. By self-identifying, protected veterans can:
- Take advantage of the protections and benefits afforded to them under law
- Increase their visibility to employers who may offer special programs or resources to support veterans
- Encourage employers to prioritize hiring and promoting protected veterans
- Enhance their competitiveness in the job market
Key Takeaways:
To summarize, a protected veteran is a veteran who served on active duty and has received an honorable discharge, and is protected under various laws and regulations. Self-identification as a protected veteran can have significant benefits, including equal opportunity employment, pre-selection notification, priority processing of applications, job accommodations, and compensatory damages. It is essential for protected veterans to understand their rights and the benefits they are entitled to, and to self-identify as a protected veteran on job applications to ensure they receive the protection and support they deserve.
| Protected Veteran Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| Equal Opportunity Employment | Right to equal access to job opportunities and promotion |
| Pre-Selection Notification | Notification of job openings and promotions based on veteran status |
| Priority Processing of Applications | Priority consideration of job applications |
| Job Accommodations | Provision of job accommodations to support service-connected disabilities |
| Compensatory Damages | Eligibility for back pay, punitive damages, and other appropriate relief |
By understanding the concept of a protected veteran, protected veterans can navigate the job application process with confidence, knowing that they have the support and protections necessary to succeed in the modern workforce.
