What Is Veteran Preference
Veteran preference is a federal hiring advantage that gives eligible veterans extra points or ranking benefits when applying for federal government positions. The VA itself uses veteran preference in hiring, and understanding it matters because it affects staffing at VA regional offices and medical centers that process your disability claims.
Eligibility for Veteran Preference
You qualify for veteran preference if you served on active duty in the U.S. military and received an honorable or general discharge. Your DD-214 document proves this service. Disabled veterans (those with a VA disability rating of 10% or higher) receive a 10-point preference. Non-disabled veterans with honorable discharge receive a 5-point preference. Purple Heart recipients also receive 10-point preference regardless of disability rating.
How It Works in Federal Hiring
When you apply for a federal job, your exam score or qualifications ranking gets points added. A veteran with 10-point preference scoring 85 on an exam receives credit for 95. This advantage applies to most federal positions, including those at VA medical centers and regional offices. Veterans who have retired from the military or have a service-connected disability rated 30% or higher receive additional hiring rights called "special hiring authority," which can bypass standard competitive hiring processes.
Why This Matters for Your Disability Claim
Veteran preference directly affects the quality of staff processing your claims. VA regional offices hire claims processors, rating specialists, and appeals officers through federal hiring. Veterans working in these positions understand military service firsthand, which can improve how your case is evaluated. When veteran preference helps recruit experienced former service members into VA roles, you benefit from decision-makers who have context for service-related conditions.
Applying for VA and Federal Jobs as a Veteran
- Use USAJOBS.gov to find federal positions. Filter by "Veteran preference eligible" to find roles where your preference applies.
- Attach your DD-214 to your application. VA HR will verify your service dates and discharge status.
- If you have a disability rating from the VA, reference it in your application when federal job postings mention preference eligibility.
- Contact a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) if you need help understanding how your specific discharge characterization affects your hiring preference.
Common Questions
- Does veteran preference help my disability rating decision? Not directly. Your disability rating is determined by VA medical examination findings, C&P exam results, and supporting evidence like nexus letters. Veteran preference applies only to federal hiring, though it helps recruit qualified people into VA positions.
- Can I use veteran preference to appeal a denied claim? No. Veteran preference is a hiring tool, not an appeals mechanism. If your claim is denied, you use the VA appeals process with a VA-accredited representative or VSO to request reconsideration.
- Do I need my DD-214 to claim veteran preference? Yes. Your DD-214 proves your service dates and discharge characterization. Obtain it from the National Archives if you do not have a copy.