PREFERENCE IN EXAMINATION
Veterans meeting the criteria for preference and who are found eligible (i.e., achieve a score of 70 or higher either by a written examination or an evaluation of their experience and education) have 5 or 10 points added to their numerical ratings depending on the nature of their preference. For scientific and professional positions in grade GS-9 or higher, names of all eligibles are listed in order of ratings, augmented by veteran preference, if any. For all other positions, the names of 10-point preference eligibles who have a compensable, service-connected disability of 10 percent or more are placed ahead of the names of all other eligibles on a given register. The names of other 10-point preference eligibles, 5-point preference eligibles, and non-veterans are listed in order of their numerical ratings.
Entitlement to veterans' preference does not guarantee a job. There are many ways an agency can fill a vacancy other than by appointment from a list of eligibles.
FILING APPLICATIONS AFTER EXAMINATIONS HAVE CLOSED
A 10-point preference eligible may file an application at any time for any positions for which a non-temporary appointment has been made from a competitive list of eligibles within the past 3 years.
In addition, a person who is unable to file for an open competitive examination because of military service may file after the closing date. In either of the above situations, the veteran should contact the agency that announced the position for further information.
SPECIAL COMPLAINT PROCEDURES FOR VETERANS
Veterans who believe that they have not been accorded the preference to which they are entitled may file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS)[under a U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Office of Personnel Management Memorandum of Understanding (refer to Federal Employment Info Line Sheet EI-44, Special Complaint Procedures for Veterans)].
The
Department of Labor's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy and
Veterans' Employment and Training Service developed an "expert
system" to help veterans receive the preferences to which they are
entitled. Two versions of this system are currently available, both of which,
help the veterans determine the type of preference to which they are entitled,
the benefits associated with the preference and the steps necessary to file a
complaint due to the failure of a Federal Agency to provide those benefits. The
Internet address for the veterans' preference program is http://www.dol.gov/
elaws/vetspref.htm. (State
Employment Service Offices have veteran representatives available to assist
veterans in gaining access to this information.)
Documents you need to submit:
If you are applying as a preference eligible veteran, in addition to the required application materials as stated in the vacancy announcement, you must submit, as proof of eligibility:
Five Point Preference: Your DD-214 (Please submit the DD-214 (Member Copy 4) for the period of service for which you are claiming Veterans’ Preference)
Ten Point Preference: Your DD-214 (Please submit the DD-214 (Member Copy 4) for the period of service for which you are claiming Veterans’ Preference), Standard Form 15 and the proof requested on the form.
Click link below to access an exact replica of Standard Form 15 Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference (SF15.PDF):
http://www.opm.gov/Forms/html/sf.asp