OPM has sent a memo to agencies reminding them that an expansion of veterans preference enacted into law last year took effect as of January 7 and that they are expected to apply it.
The change relates to “derived” preference that applies if a veteran is personally unable to use his or her veterans preference; it previously applied only to mothers but now also extends to fathers. The preference is for parents of an individual who died due to service in the armed forces under honorable conditions if a parent is unmarried or legally separated, or if spouse of a parent is totally or permanently disabled.
It also applies under the same conditions to the parent of someone who has a permanent and total service-connected disability.
OPM said it is updating rules and guidance to reflect the change.
