---
title: "Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B Ratings for Veterans' Civil Service Disability Preference"
document: "M-21-1"
section: "Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section B"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-regulations/m21-1/xiii.ii.2.b-ratings-for-veterans-civil-service-disability-preference"
source: "https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000173824/M21-1-Part-XIII-Subpart-ii-Chapter-2-Section-B-Ratings-for-Veterans-Civil-Service-Disability-Preference"
updated: "2026-09-07T14:38:13.113249Z"
---

November 16, 2004  

### XIII.ii.2.B.1.a. Certifying Civil Service Disability Preference

For the purpose of certifying civil service disability preference, a service-connected (SC) disability may be assigned an evaluation of “ _less than ten percent_ ” for any directly or presumptively SC disease or injury that exhibits some extent of actual impairment.   **Reference:** For more information on the definition of Veterans’ preference, see [M21-1, Part XIII, Subpart ii, 2.A](</system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000173823/M21-1-Part-XIII-Subpart-ii-Chapter-2-Section-A-Civil-Service-Veterans-Preference-Letter>).  

### XIII.ii.2.B.1.b. Requirements for Civil Service Evaluations

For non-combat disabilities, there must be ascertainable residuals before a “ _less than ten percent_ ” evaluation may be assigned for civil service preference purposes. **_Ascertainable residuals_** means symptoms that can be objectively verified on examination.   **Note:** Combat-incurred non-compensable disabilities warrant an evaluation of “ _less than ten percent_.” **Reference:** For more information on civil service preference ratings, see [38 CFR 3.357](<https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=51165df96b008320977b5d6962b5bc52&mc=true&node=se38.1.3_1357&rgn=div8>).  

### XIII.ii.2.B.1.c. When a Rating Is Required for Civil Service Preference

A rating is required for civil service preferance purposes if a previous rating did not establish entitlement to compensation, which includes special monthly compensation or entitlement under [38 CFR 3.324](<http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=4b33d16360e924f517a662bc49e97372&node=se38.1.3_1324&rgn=div8>).  

### XIII.ii.2.B.1.d. What to Include in the Rating Narrative for Civil Service Preference Determinations

In the _Narrative_ of the civil service preference determination, show the diagnostic code, diagnosis, and an evaluation of either

  * “ _less than ten percent_ ,” or
  * “ _The noncompensable service-connected disabilities have no ascertainable residuals_.”