Human resources must verify the veteran’s discharge under honorable conditions. A statement from the records of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs showing that the veteran was discharged under honorable conditions will meet this requirement. Alternatively, the discharge may be verified from the character of service block on the DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty. (See 232.3h for a description of discharges under honorable conditions. and discharges that do not meet the requirement.)
The adjudicator must have a fully completed SF 15 for any claim for 10-point preference. Applicants who claim 10-point preference must provide all of the documentation described on the SF 15 for the type of preference they are claiming.
Occasionally, applicants may submit a copy of a rating decision letter that contains medical information to support a claim for 10-point preference. In such instances, human resources (a) acknowledges receipt of the information; (b) indicates successful adjudication of the claimed preference on the bottom of page one of SF 15; and (c) promptly returns the document containing the medical information to the veteran applicant.
The adjudicator determines if the documentation described on the SF 15 and the completed SF 15 submitted by the applicant provide sufficient proof for one of the following categories:
- Compensable disability preference (CP) — Has a compensable service-connected disability that is at least 10 percent but less than 30 percent.
- Compensable 30 percent preference (CPS) — Has a compensable service-connected disability that is 30 percent or more.
- Disability preference (XP) — (1) has received a Purple Heart; (2) has a current service-connected disability; or (3) is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the Department of Veterans Affairs, but does not qualify as a CP or CPS.
Claims for spouse, widow, or mother preference are dependent on the current marital status of the claimant, as attested to on the SF 15. (A copy of the marriage license or certificate must always be included with the SF 15.) Under the law, nonservice-connected disabilities cannot be considered in the allowance of spouse preference, even though the nonservice-connected disability is total or permanent.
The Office of Organizational Effectiveness at Headquarters adjudicates claims for spouse preference. Requests for adjudication should be submitted to this office with the applicant’s SF 15 and all supporting documentation.
Human resources is responsible for adjudicating preference claims for widows or widowers who meet the criteria listed in 483.323, Widows or Widowers of Veterans, and have the proof described on SF 15, including a copy of the marriage license or certificate.
The Office of Organizational Effectiveness at Headquarters adjudicates claims for mother preference. Requests for adjudication should be submitted to this office with the applicant’s SF 15 and all supporting documentation.
