10-point veterans' preference with a 0% rating

A service-connected rating, including a noncompensable 0%, gives 10-point veterans' preference in federal hiring. What the points are, how they are used, and what preference cannot do.

Veterans' preference is a rule in federal hiring that gives eligible veterans an advantage over other applicants. It comes in two sizes, 5 points and 10 points. The Office of Personnel Management's 10-point category covers a veteran who "has a present service-connected disability", with no percentage attached, which is what makes a 0% rating count.

The points are not your rating

The 10 refers to points added in the hiring process, not to a disability percentage. A veteran rated 0% and a veteran rated 60% are both 10-point preference eligibles.

What preference does

In hiring systems that rank candidates numerically, the points are added to your score.
In systems that group candidates by category, preference eligibles are listed ahead of others in the same category.
For some positions, an agency must give reasons before passing over a preference eligible.

What preference does not do

It does not guarantee an interview or a job, it does not apply to every federal position, and it does not waive the qualifications for the role. Agencies also hire through paths that do not use preference at all.

How to claim it

Answer the preference questions on the federal application and attach the documents it asks for: your DD-214 and your VA letter stating the service-connected disability. Getting your VA benefit letter shows where the letter comes from.

Back to A 0% VA rating still counts.

Sources

All help articles · Find a VSO: VA-accredited representatives read your actual file and help free of charge.

YourVABenefits is software you run on your own records. It is not part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and does not file claims. You file on VA.gov, or an accredited representative files for you at no charge.