Veterans Employment Opportunity Act

picture of military man next to statute with quote from Truman

The Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998, as amended, is a competitive service appointing authority that can only be used when filling permanent, competitive service positions. It cannot be used to fill excepted service positions. It allows veterans to apply to announcements that are open to "status" candidates, which typically includes "current and former competitive service employees." In VEOA appointments, preference eligibles and veterans are not given preference, but they are allowed to compete for job opportunities that are not offered to other external candidates.

Eligibility

VEOA eligibility applies to the following categories of Veterans:

• Preference eligibles (defined in title 5 U.S.C. 2108(3)); and

• Service personnel separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.

Solicitor’s Role

The Employment and Labor Law Unit (ELLU) has broad experience advising clients and human resource personnel on compliance with VEOA in the hiring process.

Additional Resources

• Feds Hire Vets – Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans

• Frequently Asked Questions – Veterans (OPM)

 

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