484 Proof of Preference Claimed

484.1 General

The applicant is responsible for providing the necessary proof of entitlement to claimed veterans’ preference. Proof is requested at the time of application. To promote the efficient processing of employment applications, veterans’ preference:

1. Is adjudicated at the very beginning of the screening process when possible; and
2. Is reviewed and adjudicated by the time of selection.

Adjudication of preference requires a review and comparison of the following:

1. PS Form 2591, Application for Employment.
2. DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, or other official documents issued by the branch of service that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions. This must occur no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted for consideration in the hiring process.
3. Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and supporting documents.
4. Letters or certificates from the Department of Veterans Affairs and statements or retirement orders issued by a branch of the Armed Forces to substantiate entitlement to the preference claimed.

Note: Applicants who claim veterans’ preference status involving a veteran’s disability are not asked to provide information related to the nature of the disability.

Applicants who fail to provide proof of entitlement at time of application must not be disqualified. Claimed veterans’ preference points will be deducted if the claim cannot be adjudicated favorably by the time of selection.

484.2 Proof for Sole Survivor Preference Claims

Veterans claiming sole survivor preference must provide:

1. Proof of discharge from active duty military service by reason of sole survivorship as that term is defined in the law; and
2. Proof of active duty service in one of the situations described in Exhibit 483, with the exception that he or she is not required to meet the length-of-service requirements.

484.3 Proof for 5-Point Preference Claims

Veterans claiming 5-point preference must provide proof of required service (see Exhibit 483) and a discharge under honorable conditions (see 232.3h). (See 485 for adjudicating 5-point veterans’ preference.)

484.4 Proof for 10-Point Preference Claims

Eligibles claiming 10-point preference provide proof by completing SF 15 and attaching the supporting documents described on the form. (See 486 for adjudicating claims for 10-point veterans’ preference.)