Disabled veterans seeking civilian jobs may face discrimination and exclusion, especially if they have service-related injuries or PTSD. Fortunately, veterans are a federally protected class, which means there are laws in place to promote fair treatment by employers and prospective employers.
Can I Be Denied a Job for Being a Disabled Veteran?
It is illegal for employers to discriminate against you by firing you or refusing to hire you because of your disabled veteran status.
Can Employers Ask if I Am a Disabled Veteran?
An employer is allowed to ask you about your status as a disabled veteran, but only if the employer (1) makes it clear that such questioning is related to affirmative action, and (2) informs you that you may decline to answer if you wish. Otherwise, employers may only ask about your disability if there is a question about your ability to perform the job.
What is Considered Discriminatory Treatment?
Disability discrimination by an employer may include negative comments about your disability, unwillingness to consider your request for a reasonable accommodation, or failure to hire or promote you because the employer believes your disability limits you in ways it does not.
I’m Being Discriminated Against – What Should I Do?
If you believe you are being discriminated against because you are a veteran or because you have a disability related to your military service, consider the following steps you can take to help protect yourself:
- Submit a written complaint describing the discrimination to your company’s Human Resources department.
- Consider filing a charge of disability discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
- Consult with an attorney who specializes in labor and employment law.
If you would like a complimentary consultation with an attorney to discuss your rights as a disabled veteran, call Barrett & Farahany, LLP today at (404) 238-7299.
