Community service

Most veterans can benefit financially from provisions in the federal retirement laws that permit inclusion of military service time in total years of federal civilian service, and thus significantly increase retirement income.

There are two federal retirement systems that cover career postal employees. The Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) covers most employees first hired in a career position prior to Jan. 1, 1984. The Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS) covers most employees first hired on or after Jan. 1, 1984. Both retirement systems use “years of service” to determine in large part when you become eligible to retire, and how much you get when you retire.

The time you served in the U. S. Armed Forces can be added to your “years-of-service” for the purpose of determining when you become eligible to retire, and how much you receive once you do retire. Most veterans (but not all) must make a payment in order to obtain retirement credit for military service. This is called “making deposit for” or “buying back” your military time. The amount you pay, the amount of increased retirement benefits, and the rules regarding “making deposit for” military time are very different, depending on which retirement system you are in—FERS or CSRS.

Generally, FERS employees pay 3 percent of their basic military pay and receive an increase in annuity of 1 percent of their high-3 average annual salary for each year of military time. Generally, CSRS employees pay 7 percent of their basic military pay and receive an increase in annuity of 2 percent of their high-3 average annual salary for each year of military time.

Detailed explanations regarding “making deposit for” military time are found below:

FERS (October 2015 Retirement Department Postal Record column)

FERS Q&A (see questions 68-71)

CSRS (November 2015 Retirement Department Postal Record column)

CSRS Q&A (see questions 22-27)

Additional information is available at the NALC Retirement web page.

If you have questions, comments or issues, call the NALC retirement department – toll free 800 424-5186 (MWF 10 AM to noon and 2 PM to 4 PM Eastern time).

Obtaining retirement credit for non-career federal service (July 2015 Postal Record)

Obtaining retirement credit for military service—FERS employees (October 2015 Postal Record)

Military veterans are, and have been, important and valued members of the letter carrier craft. Many veterans come to carry mail with service-connected disabilities and have long, injury-free careers. For others, previous service-connected disabilities can be aggravated by the wear and tear of carrying the mail. Veterans should understand their rights under federal law to compensation for on-the-job injuries.

Military veteran letter carriers are eligible for protection under both the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) and the Federal Employee Compensation Act (FECA) administered by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Program (OWCP). Letter carriers with DVA disability ratings are eligible for coverage under FECA if their job duties aggravate their pre-existing service-related disability.

While such injuries are protected under FECA, veterans need to be mindful of both the benefits and the limitations the dual coverages of DVA disability and FECA impose.

Under FECA, an injured letter carrier whose claim is accepted is entitled to medical benefits and wage-loss compensation. For letter carriers with DVA disability ratings, applying for some FECA benefits may require an election between the DVA benefits and FECA benefits.

If the injury as a letter carrier is for the same body part as a service-related disability, an accepted claim under FECA can provide benefits for injury above and beyond the original DVA disability rating. An injury unrelated to a DVA disability rating is eligible for full coverage under FECA.

FECA regulations address the apportionment of injury and require claims examiners to communicate with the DVA prior to the award of wage-loss compensation to prevent the dual payment of benefits. This is not always done properly, resulting in overpayments of FECA benefits.

Injured letter carriers with DVA disability ratings need to be alert to the danger of an overpayment. OWCP asks injured workers if they have ever applied for disability benefits from the DVA on forms CA-7 and EN 1032. Even if OWCP is duly notified of the DVA benefits, they may not adjust compensation, resulting in an overpayment. This can result in substantial charges for overpayment by OWCP, causing financial hardship on injured workers.  

Injured letter carriers can avoid these charges by not claiming wage-loss compensation from OWCP until their proper level of compensation has been accurately determined. This may take longer than expected, as OWCP will need to determine the proper increase in disability for the service-related disability. At the same time, DVA disability ratings may be increased due to the on-the-job injury. Such increases will effect the eligibility of wage-loss compensation under FECA.

Even if you have a DVA disability rating for an injury, there are good reasons to file a claim under FECA.

As most veterans with service-connected disabilities continue to get their health care from the VA, they may want to continue to use their DVA physician. Injured workers with DVA disability ratings are not prohibited from seeing a non-DVA physician for their on-the-job injury. Under FECA, a compensably injured letter carrier has the option of choosing his or her attending physician and can be referred to specialists for his or her particular injury.

DVA physicians are sometimes reluctant to process the necessary medical narratives for veterans claiming on-the-job injuries. One of the benefits for having an accepted claim is the Postal Service’s obligation to make every effort to find work for compensably injured workers.

It’s important for an injured letter carrier to inform his or her DVA physician that, by having an accepted OWCP claim, the Postal Service has an obligation to find work for him or her within his or her limitations. Physicians want their patients to heal and return to work when possible. Informing your physician of Postal Service obligations may help you secure the medical narrative you need.

While the regulations for coverage under both FECA and DVA disability have complex rules, any letter carrier with a service-connected disability who suffers an injury in the course of performing his or her duties should apply for protection under FECA. If you have any questions about such claims, call your national business agent’s office for help.

Can a disabled veteran be disciplined for absences while receiving medical treatment?

A disabled veteran who is directed to report for observation or treatment by a duly authorized medical authority must be granted leave and the absence cannot be used against the employee for disciplinary purposes. This right to be absent from work to receive medical treatment without threat of discipline has its root in an Executive Order.

Click here to learn more.

Veteran's employment preference points (overview) 

By law, veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the armed forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over non-veterans, both in hiring from competitive lists of eligibles and in retention during reductions in force.

The goal of the veteran’s preference is not to the place a veteran in every vacant federal job. However, preference does provide a uniform method by which special consideration is given to qualified veterans seeking federal employment.

Preference applies in hiring from civil service examinations, for most federal-service jobs, and when agencies make temporary appointments or use direct-hire and delegated examining authorities from the Office of Personnel Management.

General requirements for preference

To be entitled to preference, a veteran must meet the eligibility requirements in section 2108 of title 5, United States Code. This means that:

• An honorable or general discharge is necessary.
• Military retirees at the rank of major, lieutenant commander or higher are not eligible for preference unless they are disabled veterans.
• Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for preference.
• When applying for federal jobs, eligible veterans should claim preference on their applications or resumes. Applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete form SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference.

Types of preference

5-point preference

Five points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a veteran who served:

• During a war; or
• During the period April 28, 1952 through July 1, 1955; or
• For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976; or
• During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992; or
• For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on the date prescribed by presidential proclamation or by law as the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom; or
• In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia and Haiti, qualifies for preference.

A campaign medal-holder or Gulf War veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980 (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty), must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The 24-month service requirement does not apply to 10-point preference eligibles separated for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or to veterans separated for hardship or other reasons under 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173.

10-point preference

Ten points are added to the passing examination score of:

• A veteran who served any time and who (1) has a present service-connected disability or (2) is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the Department of Veterans Affairs. Individuals who received a Purple Heart qualify as disabled veterans.
• An unmarried spouse of certain deceased veterans, a spouse of a veteran unable to work because of a service-connected disability, and
• A mother of a veteran who died in service or who is permanently and totally disabled.

How it works

If you meet the criteria for preference and achieve a score of 70 or higher, you will have 5 or 10 points added to your numerical ratings depending on the nature of their preference.

Entitlement to veterans’ preference does not guarantee a job. There are many ways an agency can fill a vacancy other than by appointment from a list of eligibles.

As a veteran, letter carrier and citizen, you have dedicated your life to service. You have worked hard to protect this country, and you have continued your service as a letter carrier and community member. The Postal Service is the largest employer of veterans outside of the Department of Defense and nearly a quarter of NALC members are letter carriers.

On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are constantly debating issues and considering proposals that have the potential to impact veterans and letter carriers. Whether it's retirement, social security and health care benefits, hiring preference, right to work, veterans programs or proposals that impact the Department of Veterans Affairs, you have a voice and representation in Washington.

NALC’s Legislative and Political Affairs department monitors legislation that affects letter carriers and veterans. There are many legislative resources available for you to stay connected. If you have questions, please contact the Legislative and Political Affairs department.

House

• Committee on Veterans Affairs
• Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies

Senate

• Committee on Veterans Affairs
• Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies

The NALC Veterans Group is made up of NALC members who are also military veterans. As veterans, we share valuable experiences such as discipline, focus and sacrifice. As letter carriers and NALC members, active and retired, we have a common employer (USPS), the same labor union (NALC) and we provide continued service to America. Our common bond of experiences and skills allows us to provide resources, benefits and support to each other—as no one person or no other group could.

Our continued service to the public, especially now as letter carriers embedded in our local communities, provides a familiar and genuine pride. Many of us have joined veterans organizations, finding comfort and camaraderie with others who have served. Others work as volunteers in their communities—for both veteran and non-veteran causes and events. Teamwork. Compassion. Purpose.             

This section will provide a general directory for veteran groups and organizations (or those that support either) and post upcoming volunteer opportunities that specifically assist/honor veterans.

To speak with someone about the NALC Veterans Group, please contact the community services coordinator at (202) 393-4695.

Thank you for your service, sacrifice and willingness to support each other.

Veterans service organizations and community affiliate groups

Union Veterans Council—UVC brings union members who are veterans together to speak out on the issues that impact veterans most, especially the need for good jobs and a strong, fully funded and staffed VA. www.unionveterans.org

AMVETS—Mission statement: To enhance and safeguard the entitlements for all American veterans who have served honorably and to improve the quality of life for them, their families and the communities where they live through leadership, advocacy and services. amvets.org

Disabled American Veterans—DAV is the longest-lasting veterans advocacy and assistance group in this country. DAV has watched this country change and grow, and it has grown along with it. However, DAV has never wavered in its core mission to fulfill this country’s promises to the men and women who served. DAV invites everyone, veterans and civilian, men and women, young and old, to join it as it stands up for those veterans who risked it all when they stood up for this country and its ideals. www.dav.org

American Legion—The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans. www.legion.org

Veterans of Foreign Wars—VFW’s mission is To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans. www.vfw.org

VetsGo511—The VetsGo511 website is the first part of a comprehensive program offering better transportation choices for veterans, service members, and their family. vetsgo511.com

Stop Soldier Suicide—An established, comprehensive, trusted network of individuals, resources and solutions responsive to the complex needs of Veterans from any generation, capable of anticipating and mitigating suicide risk factors, and able to promote resilience, inspire hope, and encourage personal growth and empowerment for our veterans and their families. We are veterans helping past and present service members in their greatest hour of need. While we are not a crisis center and we do not provide direct clinical services or funding, we do fill a gap in offering resources to our brothers and sisters in arms. stopsoldiersuicide.org

#22pushupchallenge—The #22pushupchallenge was likely inspired by the veteran-created non-profit #22KILL, which set out in 2013 to help raise awareness of suicide and mental health issues among veterans. #22KILL—the name is derived from Marine slang—was started by Honor Courage Commitment, another veteran-focused non-profit, in response to a report from the Department of Veterans Affairs that an average of 22 American veterans commit suicide each day. One of #22KILL’s goals: to inspire people to do 22 million pushups as part of the broader awareness effort. #22KILL | Honor Courage Commitment

Guitars For Vets—Thousands of war veterans have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, more soldiers have committed suicide since the Vietnam War than have died in actual battle. But many are finding hope in an unlikely place: behind the wood and strings of an acoustic guitar. The healing power of music helps soldiers cope. That’s why Guitars for Vets provide veterans with guitars and a forum to learn how to play. Learn more out about the program and how you can help those who served rediscover their joy through the power of music: guitars4vets.org (Also: read “The healing power of music: NALC retiree helps vets through guitar program,” from the January 2015 Postal Record.)

United We Serve—Part of VA Voluntary Service (VAVS), committed to engaging Americans in service during the summer months and provide lasting benefits to veterans and the communities in which they live through volunteer service. Use this Volunteer or Donate form to see what projects may be available in your area or to contact a VAVS program manager in your area. Because of the high volume of inquiries, please allow a few days to respond to your application. Below are four volunteer opportunities available at varying VA facilities throughout the nation. If one piques your interest, go to the Volunteer or Donate page to complete an introductory application and specify in the comments field your preference. volunteer.va.gov 

VA Homeless Veterans Program—VA offers a wide array of special programs and initiatives specifically designed to help homeless veterans live as self-sufficiently and independently as possible. In fact, VA is the only federal agency that provides substantial hands-on assistance directly to homeless persons. Although limited to veterans and their dependents, VA’s major homeless-specific programs constitute the largest integrated network of homeless treatment and assistance services in the country. va.gov/homeless

VA National Cemetery Administration—The National Cemetery Administration honors veterans with final resting places in national shrines and with lasting tributes that commemorate their service to our nation. cem.va.gov

VA Volunteer Transportation Network—VTN was established to provide needed transportation for veterans seeking services from a VA facility and/or authorized facility. VTN guidelines permit volunteer participation in providing transportation to veterans using a volunteer's privately-owned conveyance or a government-owed vehicle, including donated vehicles, county vehicles, DAV department (state) or chapter (local) vehicles, public transportation and contracted transportation. If you would like further information regarding VTN, complete and submit the form on the Volunteer or Donate page. Someone from the local VAVS office will contact you with further information. volunteer.va.gov/VolTransNetwork

VA Welcome Home Celebrations—VA sponsors Welcome Home events around the country for returning military service members and their families. The events provide important information and guidance on accessing health care and other benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Use the schedule below or contact your local VA Voluntary Service office for more information. For additional information or clarification on specific volunteer or donation opportunities visit the Volunteer or Donate page to contact your local VAVS Program Manager. blogs.va.gov/VAntage/tag/welcome-home-celebration

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans—Mission: End homelessness among veterans by shaping public policy, promoting collaboration, and building the capacity of service providers. NCHV is a nonprofit organization, a resource and technical assistance center for a national network of community-based service providers and local, state and federal agencies that provide emergency and supportive housing, food, health services, job training and placement assistance, legal aid and case management support for hundreds of thousands of homeless veterans each year. NCHV also serves as the primary liaison between the nation’s care providers, Congress and the executive branch agencies charged with helping them succeed in their work. Under a technical assistance grant awarded by the Department of Labor-Veterans' Employment and Training Service, NCHV provides guidance and information about program development, administration, governance and funding to all of the nation’s homeless veteran service providers. nchv.org

Stand Down—The original Stand Down for homeless veterans was modeled after the Stand Down concept used during the Vietnam War to provide a safe retreat for units returning from combat operations. At secure base camp areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail and receive letters, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment. Stand Down afforded battle-weary soldiers the opportunity to renew their spirit, health and overall sense of well-being. That is the purpose of the Stand Down for homeless veterans, and achieving those objectives requires a wide range of support services and time. The program is successful because it brings these services to one location, making them more accessible to homeless veterans. Click here to to see a list of Stand Down events.