Veteran's Readjustment Authority

The VRA is a special authority by which agencies can, if they wish, appoint an eligible veteran without competition. The candidate does not have to be on a list of eligible individuals, but must meet the basic qualification requirements for the position. The VRA is a convenient method of appointment for both the agency and the veteran. However, use of the authority is entirely discretionary and no one is entitled to a VRA appointment. VRA appointees initially are hired for a 2-year period. Successful completion of the 2-year VRA appointment leads to a permanent civil service appointment.

Service Requirements
You must have served on active duty for a period of more than 180 days which occurred after August 4, 1964, and received other than a dishonorable discharge. Active duty is full-time duty in the Armed Forces, other than active duty for training. You do not need to serve more than 180 days of active duty, if you were discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability. Reserve and Guard members do not need to serve more than 180 days of active duty if: (1) they were ordered to active duty under section 672(a), 672(d), 672(g), 673, or 673(b) of Title 10, and (2) their active duty was during a period of war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge is authorized. For VRA eligibility, the term "period of war" includes Desert Storm/Shield, beginning August 2, 1990. No ending date has been set.

Time Limit
Eligible post-Vietnam era veterans qualify for 10 years after the date of your last discharge or release from active duty or until December 31, 1999, whichever is later. Eligible Vietnam era veterans (those who served on active duty between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975) qualify until 10 years after your last discharge or separation from active duty or until December 1995, whichever is later. Eligible veterans with a service-connected disability of 30% or more have no time limit.

Training Requirement
If you are selected for a VRA and have less than 15 years of education, you must agree to participate in a training or educational program.

Grade Level Of Jobs That Can Be Filled
Agencies can use the VRA authority to fill white-collar positions up through GS-11 and equivalent jobs under other pay systems.

Conditions Of Employment
Veterans Readjustment Appointments are in the excepted service. After two years of substantially continuous service under a Veterans Readjustment Appointment, providing your performance has been satisfactory, your appointment shall be converted to the competitive service.