Why Do Employers Inquire About Your Protected Veteran Status?

“What does it mean when you’re asked about your status as a protected veteran? Being recognized as a protected veteran under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) signifies that you are entitled to a workplace environment that is devoid of discrimination. This protection extends to various aspects of your employment. You cannot be refused employment opportunities, subjected to harassment, demoted, terminated, underpaid, or treated unfairly solely due to your veteran status. Furthermore, if you are not only a protected veteran but also disabled, there are additional safeguards and accommodations available to support you in the workplace.”

The question of whether to indicate your status as a protected veteran on your application involves several factors. To provide a comprehensive answer, you should consider the following criteria:

1. Recent Discharge: One important factor is the timing of your discharge. If you have been released from the military within the last three years, you may be eligible to classify yourself as a protected veteran.

2. VA Disability Rating: If you have received a disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you may also qualify as a protected veteran.

3. Combat Zone Service: If you’ve earned a campaign badge for your service in a combat zone, this is another criterion that may make you eligible for protected veteran status.

4. Armed Forces Service Medal: Earning an Armed Forces Service Medal is yet another pathway to being considered a protected veteran.

Given these considerations, it’s essential to make an informed decision about whether to identify as a protected veteran on your application. Depending on your circumstances, it may be appropriate to do so. However, it’s advisable to carefully evaluate your qualifications against these criteria before making that choice.

What distinguishes a veteran from a protected veteran is a nuanced set of criteria tied to their military service. A protected veteran is an individual who has served on active duty during a time of war or has earned a campaign badge as recognized by the Department of Defense. To be classified as a protected veteran, it is essential that the individual has served in a ground, naval, or air service capacity during a specific war or expedition for which the Department of Defense authorized the issuance of a campaign badge. This distinction ensures that only veterans who meet these specific criteria are granted the protected veteran status, which may have implications for various benefits and employment opportunities available to them.