Thousands of men and women serve our country in the military every year. They put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and deserve our respect and support.
Protected veterans have served our country in a variety of ways. Some have served during wartime, while others have served during peacetime. Some protected veterans have been wounded in combat, while others have not.
All protected veterans have one thing in common: they have served our country honorably. This blog post will answer the question, “What is a protected veteran?”
What Is A Protected Veteran?
A veteran is a person who previously served in the United States military, which can range from the Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Naval, or air service. A protected veteran is a former or current armed forces member with protected veteran status.
Protected Veteran status exists to ensure that Veterans have access to employment opportunities free of discrimination. This encompasses any disabled Veteran, as well as those who served in a wartime campaign with an authorized badge, recently honorably discharged Veterans, or veterans possessing an Armed Forces Service Medal.
Brief History
Protected veterans have a long history of serving our country. The first protected veteran status was given to disabled veterans of the World War I era. These veterans were given special status because of their service-related disabilities. In 1944, the G.I. Bill was enacted, which gave protected veteran status to veterans of World War II. This bill provided educational and housing benefits to these veterans.
In 1978, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) was enacted. This act protected veterans of the Vietnam era from discrimination in employment.
In 1991, the Persian Gulf War Veterans Act (PGWVA) was enacted. This act protected veterans of the Persian Gulf War from discrimination in employment.
In 2008, the Wounded Warrior Act (WWA) was enacted. This act protected veterans who were wounded in combat from discrimination in employment.
To date, protected veteran status is given to those who have served in combat zones, as well as those who have been disabled or diagnosed with certain health conditions as a result of their service.
What Does Being A Protected Veteran entail?
Protected veterans are a diverse group of individuals who have served or are serving in the military. These individuals have sacrificed much for their country and, as such, are entitled to certain benefits and privileges.
Protected veterans are eligible for certain government benefits, as well as preference in hiring for government jobs. In addition, protected veterans may also qualify for discounts on specific products and services. Other benefits of a protected veteran status may include special parking privileges and access to certain recreation areas.
The U.S. government provides protected veteran status to those who have served in combat zones and those who have been disabled or diagnosed with certain health conditions as a result of their service. In order to be eligible for protected veteran status, individuals must have served in the military for at least 180 days or have been discharged due to a service-related injury.
There are different types of protected veterans, and each type is eligible for different benefits and privileges. For example, all protected veterans are eligible for government benefits, but only veterans who served in combat zones are eligible for preference in hiring for government jobs. Similarly, all protected veterans may qualify for discounts on specific products and services. Still, only veterans who were disabled due to their service are eligible for special parking privileges.
Types Of Protected Veterans
There are different types of protected veterans, each with its benefits and privileges. The most common types of protected veterans are disabled veterans, campaign badge veterans, armed forces service medal veterans, and recently separated veterans.
Disabled Veterans
A disabled veteran is a protected veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service who is entitled to disability compensation (Or who, if not for receiving military retired pay, would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
These veterans are eligible for many benefits, including government benefits, preference in hiring for government jobs, and special parking privileges.
Active Duty Wartime/Campaign Badge Veterans
Active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran is a protected veteran who served in a combat zone during wartime. These veterans are eligible for government benefits and preference in hiring for government jobs.
Armed Forces Service Medal Veteran
An armed forces service medal veteran is a protected veteran who served on active duty during hostilities and was awarded an Armed Forces Service Medal. These veterans are eligible for government benefits and preference in hiring for government jobs.
Recently Separated Veteran
A recently separated veteran is a protected veteran discharged from the military within the last three years. The three-year period starts on the date of discharge or release. These veterans are eligible for government benefits and preference in hiring for government jobs.
There are several less common types of protected veterans, such as peacetime, Gulf War, and Vietnam Era veterans. Each of these groups is eligible for different benefits, depending on their service history and discharge status.
Protected Veteran And Mental Health Issues
Protected veterans may also have service-related mental health issues. These veterans are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are eligible for government benefits, preference in hiring for government jobs, and special parking privileges.
Some mental health issues include:
PTSD
This is a mental health condition that can occur after someone goes through a traumatic event, such as combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. Candidates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety are high among veterans of all eras. In fact, veteran status is one of the strongest risk factors for developing PTSD. PTSD can lead to substance abuse, relationship problems, and job loss.
Gulf War syndrome
This is a collection of symptoms that can occur after serving in the Gulf War. Many gulf war veterans have problems with their memories, concentration, and sleep. They may also suffer from headaches, joint pain, and fatigue.
TBI
TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) is a type of brain injury that can occur when the head is hit by an object or when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain. TBI can lead to problems with thinking, memory, and emotional functioning.
MST
MST (Military Sexual Trauma) is a type of sexual trauma that can occur during military service. MST can lead to PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Veterans who have service-related mental health issues may be eligible for government benefits, preference in hiring for government jobs, and special parking privileges. Veterans with mental health issues may also be eligible for treatment through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
Rights Of A Protected Veteran
Protected veterans have some rights under the law. These rights include:
-The right to file a complaint if they believe they have been mistreated because of their veteran status.
-Protected veterans also have the right to request accommodations from their employer if they need them to perform their job.
-Employers must also provide protected veterans with certain benefits, such as health and life insurance.
-In addition, protected veterans have the right to receive preference in hiring for federal government jobs.
Protected Veterans And Employment
Employers are prohibited from discriminating against protected veterans in hiring, promotion, and other employment decisions. Protected veterans are also entitled to receive preference in hiring for federal government jobs.
While all employers must abide by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) laws, which prohibit discrimination against employees who serve in the military, some employers are subject to additional requirements under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA).
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against employees who serve in the military. USERRA also provides protected veterans with certain benefits, such as health insurance and life insurance.
In addition, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) requires government contractors and subcontractors to take affirmative action to recruit, hire, promote, and retain protected veterans.
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) is responsible for enforcing VEVRAA. If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the OFCCP.
The Veterans’ Preference Act of 1944 gives protected veterans preference over non-veterans in hiring for federal government jobs. To be eligible for this preference, protected veterans must have a minimum of 180 days of active military service.
Several other laws provide protected veterans with preference in hiring for government jobs, including the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and the Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002.
Conclusion
Protected veterans are a protected class under federal law. This means they are entitled to certain benefits and preferences, such as health insurance and life insurance, and hiring for government jobs. Employers are prohibited from discriminating against protected veterans in hiring, promotion, and other employment decisions. If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.
Thank you for your service!