Protected veteran status -- what does it mean for the hiring companies?

Here’s the U.S. Department of Labor Factsheet (PDF). Basically, employers can’t discriminate against you due to your veteran status, and must make reasonable accommodations for service-connected disabilities. If you’re applying for a government position, there’s usually a veteran’s preference. Private companies aren’t required to give you any preferential treatment, they just can’t discriminate against you (some companies may give veteran’s preferences at their own discretion).