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Veterans' preference gives eligible veterans an edge for federal jobs — either extra points added to a passing score, or a bump to the top of your quality category. Here's who qualifies for 5-point vs 10-point preference, the special hiring paths (VRA, VEOA), and what preference does not do.
Sources: OPM — FedsHireVets: Veterans’ Preference, 5 U.S.C. 2108 (definitions)
Served on active duty during a war, in a designated campaign/expedition (campaign badge), or for more than 180 consecutive days of active duty (other than for training) with part of it after specified dates — and separated under honorable or general conditions.
A veteran with a service-connected disability rated 10% or 20% by the VA.
A veteran with a service-connected disability rated 30% or higher. Highest preference — floats to the top of the qualified group in most hiring.
A veteran with a service-connected disability rated less than 10% (or receiving VA compensation/pension), or a Purple Heart recipient.
Sole Survivorship Preference — for a service member discharged/released from active duty after Aug 29, 2008 because they are the last surviving child in a family affected by a combat death or disability. Gets preference, but no points are added.
Derived preference — a spouse, widow/widower, or mother of a deceased or permanently/totally disabled veteran may claim the veteran’s preference when the veteran can’t use it themselves.
Veterans Recruitment Appointment — an excepted-service authority that lets agencies hire eligible veterans without normal competition (up to the GS-11 level). A fast lane, not a point bonus.
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act — lets eligible veterans compete for merit-promotion jobs that are otherwise open only to current federal employees. Opens doors that are usually closed to outsiders.
Claim preference on your application and attach your DD-214 (Member-4 copy). For 10-point preference, add a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) and proof such as your VA disability rating letter. Not sure what your DD-214 says? Use our DD-214 decoder.
Educational summary of federal veterans' preference (5 U.S.C. 2108 / OPM). Eligibility details, dates, and documentation requirements can be nuanced — confirm your specific case against OPM's FedsHireVets and the job announcement. Informational only.