What is the Meaning of Protected Veteran?
The United States Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) defines a Protected Veteran as an individual who served in the military and is protected from discrimination under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) of 1974. This law prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating against eligible veterans in employment decisions.
Who is a Protected Veteran?
To be considered a protected veteran, an individual must have served in the military and have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions. This includes:
• Veterans: Individuals who have served in the Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Public Health Service.
• Active Duty Wartime Veterans: Individuals who have served on active duty during a period of war or hostility, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam Era, the Gulf War, and the War in Afghanistan.
• Active Duty Peacetime Veterans: Individuals who have served on active duty during a period of peacetime, including those who served in the reserves or National Guard.
• Recent Combat Veterans: Individuals who have served in the Armed Forces during the five years following a period of war or hostility.
• Disabled Veterans: Individuals who have been determined to be 10% or more disabled as a result of their military service.
How is Protected Veteran Status Determined?
Protected veteran status is determined by the individual’s military service record and their discharge or release from active duty. To be considered a protected veteran, an individual must have:
• Served in the military: The individual must have served in the Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Public Health Service.
• Been discharged or released under honorable conditions: The individual must have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions, such as an honorable discharge, a general discharge under honorable conditions, or a medical discharge.
Protected Veteran Rights
As a protected veteran, individuals are entitled to certain rights and protections under the law. These rights include:
• Protection from discrimination: Protected veterans are protected from discrimination in employment decisions, including hiring, promotion, and firing.
• Equal opportunity: Protected veterans are entitled to equal opportunities for employment and advancement.
• Reasonable accommodations: Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to protected veterans with disabilities.
• Notification and solicitation of veterans: Federal contractors are required to notify and solicit the participation of protected veterans in the application process.
Table: Protected Veteran Rights
Right | Description |
---|---|
Protection from discrimination | Protection from discrimination in employment decisions |
Equal opportunity | Equal opportunities for employment and advancement |
Reasonable accommodations | Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities |
Notification and solicitation of veterans | Notification and solicitation of protected veterans in the application process |
Benefits of Being a Protected Veteran
Being a protected veteran can provide certain benefits, including:
• Employment opportunities: Protected veterans are entitled to equal opportunities for employment and advancement.
• Veterans’ preference: In some cases, protected veterans may be entitled to veterans’ preference in the hiring process.
• Training and support: Protected veterans may be eligible for training and support programs to help them transition back into civilian life.
• Education and training benefits: Protected veterans may be eligible for education and training benefits, such as the GI Bill.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a protected veteran is an individual who has served in the military and is protected from discrimination under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) of 1974. Protected veterans are entitled to certain rights and protections under the law, including protection from discrimination, equal opportunity, reasonable accommodations, and notification and solicitation of veterans. By understanding the meaning of protected veteran, individuals can take advantage of the benefits and protections available to them.