Special Appointing Authorities for Veterans

Veterans' Readjustment Appointment (VRA)
The VRA is a special authority by which agencies may, if they wish, appoint an eligible veteran without competition. The candidate does not have to be on a list of eligibles, but must meet the basic qualification requirements for the position. The VRA is a convenient method of appointment for both the agency and the veteran. However, use of the authority is entirely discretionary and no one is entitled to a VRA appointment.

VRA appointees initially are hired for a 2-year period. Successful completion of the 2-year VRA appointment leads to a permanent civil service appointment.

Service Requirements

You must have served on active duty for a period of more than 180 days which occurred after August 4, 1964, and received other than a dishonorable discharge.

Active duty is full-time duty in the Armed Forces, other than active duty for training.

Active duty service of more than 180 days is not required, if you were discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

Active duty service of Reserve and Guard members more than 180 days is not required if (1) they were ordered to active duty under sections 12301(a), (d), or (g), 12302, or 12304 [672(a), 672(d), 672(g), 673, or 673(b)] of Title 10, and (2) their active duty was during a period of war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge is authorized. For purposes of VRA eligibility, the term "period of war" includes the Persian Gulf War [Desert Storm/Shield], beginning 08/02/90 and ending January 2, 1992. [No ending date has been set.]

Time Limit
To be eligible for a VRA, a veteran must be appointed within 10 years of his or her last discharge. Eligible veterans with a service-connected disability of 30% or more have no time limit.

Training Requirement
If you are selected for a VRA and have less than 15 years of education, you must agree to participate in a training or educational program.

Grade Level of Jobs That Can be Filled
Agencies can use the VRA authority to fill white collar positions up through GS-11 and equivalent jobs under other pay systems.

Conditions of Employment
VRAs are in the excepted service. After 2 years of substantially continuous service under a VRA appointment, provided your performance has been satisfactory, your appointment may be converted to the competitive service, i.e., a permanent appointment.

How to Apply
You should contact the Federal agency personnel office where you are interested in working to find out about VRA opportunities. Agencies recruit candidates and make VRAs directly.

For a list of local agency personnel offices, consult your telephone directory under "U.S. Government" for the nearest location and telephone number.

30% OR MORE DISABLED VETERAN PROGRAM
Federal agencies have the authority, by law, to give noncompetitive appointments to any veteran who has a service-connected disability of 30% or more. Like the VRA, this authority is discretionary with the agency.

Who is Eligible?
To be eligible, you must be a disabled veteran who has a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. The disability must be officially documented by the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Grade Level of Jobs That Can be Filled
This authority covers all grade levels and occupations.

Conditions of Employment
You must serve initially under a temporary appointment not limited to 60 days or less. After successfully performing on such a temporary appointment, the Federal agency may convert you to a permanent position.

Conditions of Qualifications
You must 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.

How to Apply
You should contact the Federal agency personnel office where you are interested in working to find out about opportunities. Agencies recruit candidates and make appointments directly. As a part of your application package, you will need a copy of a letter dated within the last 12 months from the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense certifying receipt of compensation for a service-connected disability of 30% or more.

AS OF: 7-26-2001

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