While veterans sacrifice their lives to defend the country without complaint, they will, unfortunately, face challenges returning to their former lives upon discharge, creating strife in their employment journey. Due to this, the US government has set out to offer these veterans equal opportunities, resulting in the widely used protected veteran status. But what exactly does it mean, and what are some benefits to it?
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Who Qualifies As a Protected Veteran?
Veterans Who Have Served During War and Have Earned a Campaign Badge
These veterans have served on active duty in the war in the Navy, ground or air service during wartime. They must also have earned a campaign badge from the Department of Defence. This allows them to receive compensation for the veterans’ affairs, failure to which the aggrieved parties may seek help from experts such as Nationwide veterans disability law firm.
Disabled Veterans
Disabled veterans can also be referred to as protected veterans, with their service primarily based in the naval, military, air, or ground department. This status allows such veterans to get equal opportunity in various areas or employment preferences without discrimination, providing fair and equitable treatment.
A Medal Veteran
Personnel in the armed forces are eligible for a protected veteran distinction after they have been on active duty in the military for various operations. Note that this medal must be awarded according to Executive Order 12985.
A Recently Separated Veteran
Recently separated veterans refer to individuals who have served a three-year service from the date of discharge from active duty.
What Benefits Can Protect Veterans Receive?
Equal Pay
Protected veterans have the right to receive equal compensation at their employment centers. Any service-connected disabilities should not be a hindrance to equal pay.
Equal Treatment
If the protected veterans in question have disabilities and require additional accommodation, they are eligible for equal treatment from colleagues and supervisors.
Equal Employment Opportunities
Protected veterans also have a right to equal employment opportunities. Once employed, they should receive equal promotion opportunities and not be demoted based on their veteran status.
Reasonable Accommodations
Due to various challenges that disabled veterans will often have, protected veterans can enjoy access to reasonable accommodations. This includes special tools and services that allow them to perform their duties most efficiently. Examples are providing assistive technology, flexible work schedules, and granting leaves for medical checkups.
How to File a Complaint As a Protected Veteran
If you face discrimination as a protected veteran, filing a complaint with the OFCCP (Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs) is the first step. Retaliation against such complaints is legally prohibited, with threats and harassment advised against. Companies that violate the terms of the protected veteran status risk exemptions when getting into future contracts with the federal government.
Take note that the complaints must be filed within 300 days after the alleged violation, with any delays likely to result in a dismissal of the case. The complaints can be submitted in several ways, the most preferred being electronic filing via the OFCCP regional office. The other option comprises in-person filing, requiring the veterans or suitable personnel to present the complaint at the area office of any OFCCP District. The last alternative will be mailing the complaint or faxing documents to the OFCCP regional office.
Complaints must state the full extent of the discrimination and other details that could help with the case. Take note the complaint also needs to have the complainant’s name and telephone number along with their signature or that of authorized personnel. The date of the alleged discrimination and the name and address of the discriminating personnel or institution will also be helpful.
If you or your loved one qualifies to be a protected veteran, the above are some benefits that you can enjoy. Affirmative action allows you to get fair treatment at the workplace while also allowing for special accommodation in the case of disabled veterans. If equitable treatment is not forthcoming in your search for employment, working with a qualified veteran’s lawyer will be the way to go.
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