Who Is a Protected Veteran?
The Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended (38 U.S.C. § 4212), prohibits discrimination against protected veterans. Under VEVRAA, a veteran may be classified as a ‘‘disabled veteran,’’ ‘‘recently separated veteran,’’ ‘‘active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran,’’ or ‘‘Armed Forces service medal veteran.’’
Determine your Veteran status
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Disabled Veteran
You are a veteran of the U.S. Military who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
You were discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
- Recently Separated Veteran
You were discharged or released from active duty within the last three years.
- Active Duty Wartime or Campaign Badge Veteran
You served on active duty during one or more of the periods of war outlined in 38 U.S.C. § 101.
You served on active duty in any campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.
- Armed Forces Service Medal Veteran
You served on active duty in a U.S. military operation for which an Armed Forces Service Medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985 (61 FR1209) and were you awarded the Armed Forces Service Medal.
If you were awarded the Armed Forces Service Medal, make sure it is listed on your DD Form 214.