30% or More Disabled Veteran Program
Under section 3112 of Title 5, United States Code (5 USC 3112), the Office of Personnel Management prescribed rules governing the noncompetitive appointment of disabled veterans.
Program Summary
The Department of Defense (DOD) and other Federal agencies have the authority, by law (section 3112 of Title 5, United States Code), to give noncompetitive appointments to any veteran who has a service-connected disability of 30% or more. Appointees will serve initially under a temporary appointment not limited to 60 days or less. After successfully performing on such a temporary appointment, the DOD may convert you to a permanent position.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible you must be a disabled veteran who has a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more and the disability must be officially documented by the Department of DOD of Veterans Affairs. You must also meet all qualification requirements for any position to which you are appointed. This could include the requirement to achieve a passing score on a written test or to meet a positive education requirement.
How to Apply
To apply for a position with the Office of the Secretary of Defense or with one of the Defense Agencies, first be sure that you can qualify as a 30% or more disabled veteran, and that you meet the work experience and/or education requirements for the job(s) for which you are interested. As you prepare your resume, be sure to include (1) the type of job(s) for which you wish to be considered, (2) the lowest salary or grade you will accept, and (3) the location where you are willing to work. Attached to your resume, you will need a copy of a letter dated within the last 12 months from the Department of Veterans Affairs or the DOD certifying that you receive compensation for a service-connected disability of 30% or more. Submit your resume to whsdisabilities@mail.mil or send to:
Attn: Disabled Veterans Program Coordinator
Defense Employment Information Center
Washington Headquarters Services
1155 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1155
Disabled Veterans Enrolled in VA Training Programs
Disabled veterans eligible for training under the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) vocational rehabilitation program may enroll for training or work experience at an agency under the terms of an agreement between the agency and VA. The veteran is not a Federal employee for most purposes while enrolled in the program, but is a beneficiary of the VA. The training is tailored to individual needs and goals so there is no set length. If the training is intended to prepare the individual for eventual appointment in the agency (rather than just work experience), the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must approve the training plan. Upon successful completion, the veteran will be given a Certificate of Training showing the occupational series and grade level of the position for which trained. This allows any agency to appoint the veteran noncompetitively for a period of 1 year. Upon appointment, the veteran is given a Special Tenure Appointment which is then converted to permanent appointment with OPM approval.