DeKalb County Merit System Veterans Preference

DeKalb County Code chapter 20, article IV, adopted in 2006, sets the county's veterans preference for merit system jobs. Five points (section 20-82). Added to the passing score on any merit system exam for a veteran with more than 180 days of active duty, not counting initial active duty for training, some of it during a period of armed conflict, who was honorably discharged. A Guard or reserve member qualifies with active duty of any length in the Desert Shield and Desert Storm area of imminent danger, or "during a period of war or armed conflict ... after Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm". That last route is wider than the State's statute, section 45-2-21, which stops at the Gulf War; see the Georgia entry on civil service exam points. Ten points (section 20-83). For a veteran who qualifies for five points and has a service-connected disability of at least 10% rated and certified by VA, instead of the five. Spouses (section 20-84). Five points for the spouse of a qualifying veteran who has a 100% disability that keeps the veteran from working, or who has died. Without an exam (section 20-85). Where a job has no scored exam, a preference-eligible candidate who meets the minimum requirements is entitled to have the application presented to the department head, and may be preferred over an equally qualified non-veteran. Limits. The candidate must meet the minimum requirements and pass any exam; points cannot lift an unqualified candidate (section 20-81). The preference applies to entry, not promotion (section 20-86). Appointment remains the department head's choice, and a passed-over veteran goes back on the register (sections 20-87 and 20-88). Claim the preference on the county application with the DD-214 and, for ten points, the VA rating letter.