Types of Preference (Federal Employment)

To receive preference, a veteran must have been discharged or released from
active duty in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions (i.e., with an
honorable or general discharge). As defined in 5 U.S.C. 2101(2), "Armed
Forces" means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The
veteran must also be eligible under one of the preference categories below
(also shown on the Standard Form (SF) 50, Notification of Personnel Action).
*Military retirees at the rank of major, lieutenant commander, or higher are
not eligible for preference in appointment unless they are disabled
veterans. (This does not apply to Reservists who will not begin drawing
military retired pay until age 60.) For non-disabled users, active duty for
training by National Guard or Reserve soldiers does not qualify as "active
duty" for preference.
For disabled veterans, active duty includes training service in the Reserves
or National Guard, per the Merit Systems Protection Board decision in Hesse
v. Department of the Army, 104 M.S.P.R.647(2007).
For purposes of this chapter and 5 U.S.C. 2108, "war" means only those armed
conflicts declared by Congress as war and includes World War II, which
covers the period from December 7, 1941, to April 28, 1952.
When applying for Federal jobs, eligible veterans should claim preference on
their application or resume. Applicants claiming 10-point preference must
complete Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference,
and submit the requested documentation.
The following preference categories and points are based on 5 U.S.C. 2108
and 3309 as modified by a length of service requirement in 38 U.S.C.
5303A(d). (The letters following each category, e.g., "TP," are a shorthand
reference used by OPM in competitive examinations.)
RESOURCE:
http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide/
*If you have a documented medical condition, consider obtaining a Schedule A
Letter from your Primary Care Physician or specialist.