Documentation Required On Sf-15?

[zzman]

My question is about this line regarding proof to establish vet pref based upon service connected disability.

"An official document, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of VA, or from a branch of the armed forces, certifying that the service member has a service-connected disability of 10% or more."

That seems very general to me. I know when they complete you get something I think has been referred to as an "award letter." But can there be something issued before that final percent is determined if you have an (at least somewhat) obvious service connect disability? In other words, can there be an initial finding, and details can be worked later? Can a memo from someone serve as "an official document?" In my experience, it does. If that is true, who would need to sign it?

The reason I ask is that I am preparing to separate and my conditional offer from Department of State is heavily dependent on 10 point disabled Vet preference. So for my personal situation, a statement that will secure that preference gives me employment stability and helps me keep my family fed. I am working with more than 180 days now, so there is some time for me to push it. But I feel I have better odds if I know EXACTLY what to ask for.

Anyone here ever done anything like that?

Thanks.

[Guest]

As I remember there is no letter, it will be your DD 214 and your VA disability letter. Once you are discharged and rated with a service connected disability. You can contact VA and have them send you a civil service letter. Unless you need some type of special accommodations, you do not have to tell your new employer your disabilities just that you are service connected.

[Navy04]

Welcome aboard bud, but as stated above you will have to wait for official paper work. I specifically knew a Vet last year that was over seas and was getting out of the Navy and staying in Japan. He applied for a job at the Commissary there but again they needed the Disabled Veteran Letter. Well I tried to help him as he stated he had all these disabilities and the VA was going to grant them. Well in the end, the VA approved a sprang ankle at 0%, and he thru a fit. Well he lost that job offer, and you have to realize that nothing is approved or final, until you get that letter. Good luck and take care

[zzman]

Thanks for the replies. One followup. If I begin filing 6 months out via Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD), can I submit that as a Fully Developed Claim? According to VA website it is supposed to be quicker. Any one tried that? I don't believe I have anything overly complicated and a quick decision which entitles me to disabled Vet preference points is much more in my interests than maximizing percentage. Even a finding a disability with 0% would get me the 10 points.

Thanks again.

[zzman]

Thanks for the replies. One followup. If I begin filing 6 months out via Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD), can I submit that as a Fully Developed Claim? According to VA website it is supposed to be quicker. Any one tried that? I don't believe I have anything overly complicated and a quick decision which entitles me to disabled Vet preference points is much more in my interests than maximizing percentage. Even a finding a disability with 0% would get me the 10 points.

Thanks again.

[Navy04]

That BDD program came out after I was Retired, but it can be fast or slow. My bud retired last year and it took his claim over 8 months to complete, after he retired and that was only with a few conditions. Really just hard to say for sure, but don't count on it towards your future. If you are well qualified and prepared you should find a good job, if not be ready for a long road ahead of you. I know a lot of buds right now working at Lowes and Walmart, as they did not do a good job of preparing, or going to school. No company hires Vets just cause they can shoot or got a few ribbons/medals. Good luck and God Bless

[Guest]

I forgot, the day of your discharge you will get a copy of your DD 214. When you submit your job application/resume make sure you submit a copy of your DD 214 and a copy of your SF 15. Most government agencies both (Federal and State) will take your application/resume and begin the background check and they will wait for your VA Certification Letter. In some cases they may even hire you but keep you in a no/low security level.

Hope this Helps