What is a protected veteran?

A protected veteran is a veteran who is entitled to certain protections under the law, primarily related to employment. These protections aim to prevent discrimination and promote equal employment opportunities for veterans.

Key aspects of protected veteran status and related protections include:

• Categories of Protected Veterans: Under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), protected veterans typically fall into one or more of these categories:

  • Disabled Veteran: A veteran entitled to disability compensation (or who would be but for receiving military retired pay) or who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability. (https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Disabled%20Veteran)

  • Recently Separated Veteran: Any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty. (https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Recently%20Separated%20Veteran)

  • Armed Forces Service Medal Veteran: A veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985. (https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Armed%20Forces%20Service%20Medal%20Veteran)

  • Other Protected Veteran: Veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized. (https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Other%20Protected%20Veteran)

• Employer Obligations: Companies that contract with the federal government above a certain dollar threshold have specific obligations under VEVRAA to actively recruit, hire, promote, and retain protected veterans. These obligations include:

  • Affirmative Action: Developing and implementing an affirmative action program to recruit and advance qualified protected veterans.

  • Non-Discrimination: Ensuring that protected veterans are not discriminated against in any employment practice, including hiring, firing, promotion, compensation, training, and other terms and conditions of employment.

  • Reasonable Accommodation: Providing reasonable accommodations to qualified veterans with disabilities, unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the employer. (https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Reasonable%20Accommodation)

• Self-Identification: Employers often invite applicants and employees to self-identify as protected veterans, allowing them to track their affirmative action efforts. Self-identification is voluntary.

• Enforcement: The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) within the Department of Labor enforces VEVRAA. (https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Office%20of%20Federal%20Contract%20Compliance%20Programs)

• Benefits for Veterans: Being a protected veteran can provide access to resources, programs, and support services designed to assist veterans in finding and maintaining employment.