Iowa Code Title IX. Local Government [Chs. 331-420] § 400.10. Veterans Preferences

1. In all examinations and appointments under this chapter, other than promotions and appointments of chief of the police department and chief of the fire department, veterans who are citizens and residents of the United States, shall have five percentage points added to the veteran's grade or score attained in qualifying examinations for appointment to positions and five additional percentage points added to the grade or score if the veteran has a service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability benefits, or pension under laws administered by the United States department of veterans affairs. An honorably discharged veteran who has been awarded the Purple Heart incurred in action shall be considered to have a service-connected disability. However, the percentage points shall be given only upon passing the exam and shall not be the determining factor in passing. Veteran's preference percentage points shall be applied once to the final scores used to rank applicants for selection for an interview. For purposes of this section, “veteran” means as defined in section 35.1 except that the requirement that the person be a resident of this state shall not apply.

2. If a veteran entitled to preference pursuant to this section has been honorably discharged between forty-five days before and sixty days after an examination is administered pursuant to section 400.8, the commission may allow the veteran to be subject to examination up to ninety days following the date the original examination was administered and if appropriate shall add the veteran's name to the list for original appointment pursuant to section 400.11, subsection 1.