Since the time of the Civil War, Veterans of the Armed Forces have been given some degree of preference in appointments to government jobs. Recognizing that sacrifices are made by those serving in the Armed Forces, Congress enacted laws to prevent veterans seeking employment from being penalized because of the time spent in military service.

 
Preference points are awarded to eligible veterans, with additional preference for disabled veterans, seeking employment with all state agencies. The Veterans Employment Resource Center has information about careers with the United States Federal Government. Oregon State Government awards veteran preference points as followed:
 
All agencies for the State of Oregon provide honorably-discharged veterans and disabled veterans with preference points in employment as follows:
 
5 points (Veteran):
 
There is no limit to the number of times you can use these points within 15 years of discharge or release from service.
 
To receive 5 points you must have served on active duty in the Armed Forces:

1. Holds a combat or campaign ribbon for service in the Armed Forces of the United States; or
2. For more than 178 consecutive days; or
3. For at least one day in a combat zone.
   

"Combat Zone" means an area designated by the President of the United States by executive order in which, on the dates designated by executive order, the Armed Forces of the United States are or have engaged in combat.
 
"Veteran" means a person who:
 
(A) Served on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States:

• For a period of more than 178 consecutive days and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions;
• For 178 days or less and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions because of a service-connected disability; or
• For at least one day in a combat zone and was discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions; or
  

(B) Received a combat or campaign ribbon for service in the Armed Forces of the United States.
 
"Active duty" does not include attendance at a school under military orders, except schooling incident to an active enlistment or a regular tour of duty, or normal military training as a reserve officer or member of an organized reserve or a National Guard unit.
 
10 points (Disabled Veteran):

There is no limit to the number of times you can use these points. These points never expire.

To receive 10 points you must be:

1. A person whose discharge or release from active duty was for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty; or
2. Entitled to disability compensation under laws administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; or
3. Awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.
   

"Disabled Veteran" means a person entitled to disability compensation under laws administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, a person whose discharge or release from active duty was for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty or a person who was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.

Veterans must provide appropriate documentation at the time of application to qualify for these additional preference points. Veterans must submit as verification of eligibility a copy of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215) with the State of Oregon Application.

Your rights under Veterans’ Preference Points are contained in Oregon Administrative Rules 839-006-0435 through 839-006-0470 and Oregon Revised Statute 408.230.
 
In addition, disabled veterans must supply a public employment preference letter from the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs. To order the letter, call 1-800-827-1000 and request a public employment preference letter. Contact a Veteran Service Officer or a Disabled Veterans Local Employment Representative should you need assistance.

For record keeping, Veterans' should make copies of any and all documentation. Veterans' records contain private information and should be handled accordingly. In accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230, and 408.235; OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015.