A protected veteran, as defined by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) regulations implementing the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), refers to an individual who meets one or more of the following criteria.
Protected Veteran Categories
- Disabled Veteran: A veteran of the U.S. military who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs for a disability rated at 30% or more, or rated at 10-20% if it has been determined that the veteran has a serious employment handicap.
- Recently Separated Veteran: Any veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service during the one-year period beginning on the date of such veteran’s discharge or release from active duty.
- Active Duty Wartime or Campaign Badge Veteran: Any veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service during a war, campaign, or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of War.
- Armed Forces Service Medal Veteran: Any veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985 (61 Fed. Reg. 1209).
How DirectEmployers Supports Veteran Employment
DirectEmployers VetCentral reporting gives protected veterans priority referral, helping to meet OFCCP reporting requirements and further promoting employer jobs to veterans in search of career opportunities.
Employer Responsibilities Under VEVRAA
VEVRAA requires federal contractors and subcontractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. This includes outreach efforts to recruit protected veterans, the establishment of written affirmative action plans (AAPs), and the reporting of the number of protected veterans employed. The purpose of VEVRAA is to ensure that veterans receive equal employment opportunities in the workforce and are not discriminated against based on their veteran status.
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