There are few callings more honorable than that of serving your country.
Many of the millions of men and women who have served in the U.S. military go on to work in federal positions. And after serving their country faithfully, veterans deserve respect in the workplace.
Unfortunately, not all of these individuals are treated fairly by their employers. In fact, federal employers may intentionally withhold certain benefits which veterans are entitled to receive – and some employers may fail to properly accommodate veterans dealing with physical and mental health conditions related to their service.
What benefits are veterans entitled to receive as federal employees?
Veterans are entitled to certain benefits based on their status as a veteran, such as:
- Priority in hiring, under certain circumstances
- Priority in being promoted, in certain situations
- Certain unique appeal options to contest any discipline issued to them
- The ability to file a workers’ compensation claim when their service-connected injuries are aggravated due to work conditions
Federal employers must comply with the protections offered to veterans. But not all do.
Additionally, many agencies do not properly accommodate veterans who may be dealing with physical or emotional injuries or disabilities. In certain cases, these conditions are aggravated by stressful working conditions.
To add insult to injury, some federal agency officials intentionally find ways to circumvent veteran entitlements.
Remember: Veterans have certain rights in the workplace, which they have dutifully earned.
Veterans should know their rights
Many veterans are not fully aware of their rights in the federal workplace. This many prevent many from getting the help they need and deserve.
If you suspect you are being deprived of your federal employment benefits – or if your working conditions are aggravating a physical or mental health condition – talk to a federal employment law attorney to learn about your rights and legal options.