The Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service, known as VETS, published a notice in the Federal Register on January 26, 2026, soliciting public comments on the proposed extension of an information collection request. This request pertains to the VETS-1010 form, which individuals use to file complaints related to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, or USERRA, as well as laws concerning veterans' preference and the Veterans' Employment Opportunities Act, or VEOA. The notice complies with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, aiming to extend the current approval under Office of Management and Budget Control Number 1293-0002. This development is significant because it maintains a critical mechanism for veterans and service members to address employment disputes, ensuring that federal protections remain accessible without interruption. Comments from the public are invited until March 27, 2026, to assess the form's necessity, accuracy of burden estimates, and potential improvements.
Background on the Relevant Laws
The VETS-1010 form supports enforcement of three key federal statutes designed to protect the employment rights of military personnel and veterans. USERRA, enacted as Public Law 103-353 on October 13, 1994, aims to minimize disruptions caused by military service. It provides for prompt reemployment after service, encourages participation in the uniformed services by reducing career disadvantages, and prohibits discrimination based on service obligations, prior service, or intent to join the military. The law also covers protections against reprisal for filing claims or assisting in investigations.
Veterans' preference laws, often referred to as VP, grant certain veterans advantages in federal hiring processes, such as priority on competitive applicant lists and safeguards during reductions in force. These preferences are outlined in Title 5 of the U.S. Code. Complementing this is the Veterans' Employment Opportunities Act of 1998, or VEOA, under Public Law 105-339, which expands access to federal job opportunities that might otherwise be restricted and authorizes the Secretary of Labor to assist preference-eligible veterans in resolving rights violations.
These laws collectively address employment barriers faced by those who serve, with the VETS-1010 form serving as the primary tool for initiating complaints. The form's continued availability is essential for the Department of Labor to fulfill its mandate in investigating and resolving such claims.
Description and Purpose of the VETS-1010 Form
The VETS USERRA/VP/VEOA Claim Form, designated as VETS-1010, enables individuals to submit complaints to VETS regarding alleged violations under USERRA, VP, or VEOA. According to the Federal Register notice, the form collects eligibility data necessary for processing claims related to uniformed services employment and reemployment rights, as well as veterans' preference in federal employment.
The notice emphasizes that the form's purpose aligns with the broader goals of these laws. For USERRA, it facilitates reemployment and anti-discrimination protections. For VP and VEOA, it supports hiring preferences and access to opportunities. The Department of Labor notes that without this collection, it could not effectively perform its functions in assisting claimants, as required by statute.
Compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act
This notice is part of the routine process under the Paperwork Reduction Act, or PRA, which requires federal agencies to justify and minimize the paperwork burden on the public. The PRA mandates that agencies obtain OMB approval for information collections and display a valid control number. The current approval for OMB Control Number 1293-0002 is set to expire, prompting this extension request for three years, the maximum allowed without renewal.
The Department invites comments on specific aspects: the necessity of the collection for agency functions, its practical utility, the accuracy of burden estimates, ways to enhance quality and clarity, and methods to reduce respondent burden, including through automation. As stated in the notice, 'Comments are invited on: (1) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility.' This reflects the PRA's emphasis on efficiency and public input.
The agency estimates that the form affects about 2,250 respondents annually, primarily individuals or households filing on occasion. Each response is projected to take 45 minutes, including 10 minutes to gather information and 35 minutes to complete the form, resulting in a total burden of 1,688 hours with no additional costs for operations or maintenance.
Key Players and Process
The primary entity involved is the Department of Labor's VETS, led by Assistant Secretary Jeremiah Workman, who signed the notice dated January 22, 2026. Contact for further information is William Coughlin, an investigative analyst in Compliance and Investigations.
Comments can be submitted electronically or via mail, with electronic submissions preferred at a specified email address, including 'VETS-1010 Form' in the subject line. All comments will be summarized and included in the final request to OMB, becoming part of the public record. This process underscores the transparency required under the PRA, allowing stakeholders such as veterans' organizations, legal experts, and affected individuals to influence the form's design and implementation.
No major legal precedents are directly cited in the notice, but the extension builds on established interpretations of USERRA and VEOA through prior court cases and agency guidance. For instance, USERRA has been upheld in decisions emphasizing prompt reemployment, while VEOA claims often involve merit system protections.
Potential Implications and Perspectives
Extending the ICR ensures uninterrupted access to complaint mechanisms, which could prevent lapses in enforcement and support veterans' transitions to civilian employment. Short-term implications include potential refinements to the form based on public feedback, possibly improving clarity or digital submission options.
Long-term, this maintains the framework for addressing systemic issues in veterans' employment, such as discrimination or hiring biases. Different perspectives exist: advocates for veterans may push for reduced burdens and enhanced automation to encourage more filings, while administrative efficiency proponents might focus on minimizing costs. Employers and federal agencies could view the form as a necessary check but seek streamlined processes to avoid undue litigation. The notice does not endorse any viewpoint but invites balanced input.
In summary, this Federal Register notice highlights the ongoing commitment to veterans' employment protections through administrative maintenance. Potential next steps include OMB review following the comment period, which could lead to approval or modifications. Ongoing debates may center on balancing paperwork reduction with effective enforcement, especially as military service evolves and digital tools advance. Challenges could arise if burden estimates prove inaccurate or if technological updates lag, but the process allows for adaptive improvements.
