From USAJOBS Help
Veterans’ Preference
Veterans' preference applies to virtually all new appointments in both the competitive and excepted service. It provides eligible veterans preference in appointment over many other applicants. Only veterans discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions (i.e., honorable or general discharge) are eligible for veterans' preference.
Veterans' preference does not guarantee veterans a job and it does not apply to internal agency actions (often called Merit actions) such as promotions, transfers, reassignments and reinstatements. Not all veterans are considered veterans for the purpose of Federal civilian employment, and not all active duty service is qualifying for veterans' preference.
