Connecticut State Employment Examination Preference

General Statutes section 5-224 adds points to the earned rating on an examination held for an original appointment to the Connecticut classified service. Points are added only if the candidate has already attained at least the minimum earned rating, so the preference lifts a passing score rather than creating one. The structure is the opposite of what people expect, so read it slowly. Five points go to a veteran who served in time of war and who is not eligible for disability compensation or pension from VA. Five points also go to the spouse of such a veteran who by reason of the veteran's disability is unable to pursue gainful employment, and to the unmarried surviving spouse of such a veteran. Ten points go to the same three categories when the person is eligible for that VA disability compensation or pension. Eligibility for VA compensation, not a particular percentage, is what moves a candidate from five points to ten. A veteran with a 10 percent rating that pays compensation is in the ten-point group. The statute never names a percentage. Two further paths carry five points and are frequently missed. A veteran who served in a military action for which they received or were entitled to receive a campaign badge or expeditionary medal takes five points if not otherwise eligible under the section, which reaches a veteran whose service does not fall in a Connecticut period of war. And a member of the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103, who is in the final year of an enlistment contract with any branch takes five points, which reaches a service member who has not separated at all. Because the armed forces definition in section 27-103 includes the Connecticut National Guard performing duty under Title 32, a Guard member in the final year of an enlistment contract is inside that last path. The preference attaches to examinations for original appointment used to establish a candidate list under section 5-228(d). It is not a promotion preference, and it does not apply to appointments made outside the examination process. Connecticut also protects employment in two other ways that are not this section. A state employee who is a member of a reserve component receives thirty days per year of military leave with pay, and a state employee returning from military service with an honorable discharge is reinstated to the former position on reapplying within ninety days.