It is encouraging to see an increase in veteran hiring in the federal workforce, including veterans with disabilities.
Out of the 162,839 new federal employees hired during the last fiscal year, the percentage of veterans rose by 2.1 percent from the previous year – the highest rate seen since the mid-1970s, according to a report by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Currently, 31 percent of the federal workforce is now comprised of veterans of the U.S. military, with 11 percent of the federal workforce being disabled veterans (6 percent of whom are considered to be at least 30 percent disabled).
Why Should You Hire a Veteran?
There are many reasons why U.S. veterans are strong candidates to fill federal agency positions. In addition to providing employment to an individual who fought to protect our country, an agency can reap many other benefits.
A retired Marine sergeant recently provided Business Insider with what he considers to be the most significant advantages to hiring an individual who has served in the U.S. military, including:
- Veterans are goal-oriented and focused on accomplishing the mission they set out to achieve.
- Many veterans are trained, experienced leaders who take their responsibilities seriously.
- Veterans can be very intuitive and have no qualms about voicing their concerns.
- Most veterans are extremely independent and are very likely to thrive “when given the proper framework and adequate training.”
- Veterans are not known for shying away from hard work.
The federal government provides financial assistance to veterans interested in achieving advanced stages of learning. Employees that continue learning while on the job often infuse the knowledge they are collecting into their work. This can be quite beneficial to employing agencies.
Companies in the private sector who are looking to hire should consider veterans as well. Their dedication and work ethic alone make them employees who are well worth the investment.
Veterans with Service-Related Disabilities May Seek Benefits
While there are countless veterans in need of work, and many more veterans entering the workforce on an ongoing basis, there are also those veterans who are unable to work as a result of service-related disabilities. Other veterans may be able to work but only in a limited capacity.
Fortunately, disabled veterans can access benefits through the Department of Veteran Affairs. Recently discharged veterans whose disabilities were incurred or aggravated during their service with the military may be eligible for the following:
- Disability compensation to be paid on a monthly basis
- Medical and health care services
- Dental treatment (within 180 days of separation)
- Continued education and training
- Vocational rehabilitation and employment assistance
- Unemployment compensation.
Even those veterans who became permanently and totally disabled as a result of a non-service-related incident may be eligible to apply for disability pension benefits.
If you are a U.S. veteran in need of assistance with a VA disability claim, contact Harris Federal. We serve veterans nationwide and would be happy to schedule a free case evaluation at your convenience. Contact us today to get started.
