Veterans
Veterans Recruitment Appointment, VEOA, and 30 percent or more disabled veteran authorities.
Several authorities let an agency hire a veteran outside the usual competitive process, and they do different things. Veterans Recruitment Appointment allows direct appointment up to GS-11 for eligible veterans. VEOA lets veterans compete for positions otherwise open only to current federal employees. The 30 percent or more disabled authority allows appointment without competition at any grade the person qualifies for.
Veterans preference is separate from all of these. It adds points to a competitive score; it does not guarantee a job and it does not apply to every position.
Bring your DD-214, and an SF-15 with supporting documentation if you are claiming a preference based on disability. Applying under the wrong authority is the most common reason a strong application goes nowhere.
