A. For privacy reasons, many health care positions must be applied for via traditional paper applications. Those applications must be made to the VA facility where you desire employment consideration. That address can be found within each job posting.

A. When applying for a VA position, you will often be asked to submit various forms, such as an application, a Declaration of Federal Employment, Veterans' preference forms, and others. You can find most of the forms you need in the Job Search section of this (VA Careers) web site.

A. For help in downloading required documents or to obtain paper forms in the mail, contact a recruiter at 1-800-949-0002.

A. Application processing can take up to 60 days, and in some cases up to 120 days. Since hiring decisions are made locally, you will need to call the VA facility where you submitted your application.

A. When available, VA salary information is included within individual job postings. Most often, a Professional Standards Board determines an applicant's starting salary based on experience and level of practice. For many health care positions, salaries are based on locality pay scales and regional special salary rates; therefore, specific information may be available from the recruiter at the VA facility where you desire employment. Additional salary information for many positions is available at www.opm.gov.

A. Visit the VA Salary & Benefits section of this (VA Careers) web site or call 1-800-949-0002.

A. VA hires U.S. citizens, but there are some exceptions made in certain circumstances. Contact the facility where you desire employment for information.

Q. Does VA incorporate Veterans' preference into its health care professional hiring policies?
A. Yes. VA is committed to hiring Veterans, and Veteran status figures prominently in our selection process. For more information, visit the VA Salary & Benefits section of this (VA Careers) web site.

Feel free to call 1-800-949-0002 
or call the VA human resources office at the VA medical facility near you.