As a nation, we owe our veterans a great deal of gratitude for their service to this country. These brave men and women have put themselves in harm’s way to protect us from those who seek to do us harm. But did you know that some veterans are considered “protected” under federal law? In today’s blog post, we’re going to explore what it means to be a protected veteran and the rights these individuals have under the law.
Introduction to Protected Veterans
Under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), certain veterans are classified as “protected.” This status provides them with additional employment protections beyond those afforded to other employees. To qualify as a protected veteran, an individual must meet one or more of the following criteria:
Served on active duty during a war or national emergency declared by Congress
Was discharged or released from military service due to a service-connected disability
Has received a campaign badge or medal for service during a conflict
What Rights Do Protected Veterans Have
So, what exactly does being a protected veteran entitle you to? Under USERRA, these individuals have the right to return to their job after completing military service without fear of retaliation or discrimination. Additionally, they may be entitled to health insurance benefits, pension contributions, and other employment benefits while serving in the military. If a protected veteran is unable to perform his or her job duties because of a service-related injury or illness, the employer must make reasonable accommodations to enable them to continue working. Finally, if a protected veteran believes their employment rights have been violated, they can file a complaint with the Department of Labor.
Who Is Considered a Veteran
Not all veterans are considered protected under USERRA. To qualify, an individual must have served at least 180 days of active duty service, excluding training time. The only exception to this rule is for reservists who are called up for active duty in response to a war or national emergency. In addition, the individual must not have been dishonorably discharged from the military.
Conclusion
Being a protected veteran comes with significant employment protections and benefits. It’s important for both employers and employees to understand what these rights are so that veterans can receive the support and recognition they deserve. At the end of the day, our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices for our country, and we owe it to them to ensure they are treated fairly and equitably when they return home.
