Course Details

Course Title	IACP 2026 - Disability by Another Name is Not the Same: What Veterans' Disability Ratings Tell Us (and Don't Tell Us) about Law Enforcement Applicants
Date	10/26/2026
Provider	IACP-PPSS
Phone
Email
Website	https://events.rdmobile.com/Sessions/Details/3573199
Location	Orlando, FL
Credit Hours	1.5
Instructor(s)	Nicole Morgan, Psy.D.;Katelyn Goodall, Psy.D.
Method of Instruction	Workshop/Seminar
Approving Agency	APA
Course Syllabus

Course Description

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability ratings frequently present during the preemployment hiring process, though may often be misunderstood or misapplied in law enforcement hiring. This presentation aims to clarify what disability ratings actually represent, contrasts them with current psychological and functional capacity, and addresses common misconceptions about service-connected conditions. It reviews the legal framework guiding hiring decisions, outlines the role of preemployment psychologists in evaluating veteran candidates, and highlights operational considerations for police leadership. Emphasis is placed on ethical decision-making, reducing stigma and bias, and developing evidence-based hiring practices. The session will conclude with practical recommendations for agencies and psychologists, including standardized reporting and a focus on job-relevant functioning rather than diagnostic labels.

Course Objectives

Differentiate between VA disability ratings and current functional psychological capacity and explain how misinterpretation can impact hiring decisions.

Apply legal and ethical guidelines to evaluate veteran candidates, including understanding employer limitations, the role of psychological assessment, and bias mitigation strategies.

Integrate best practices into hiring and evaluation processes by prioritizing functional risk assessment, interpreting military background appropriately in the context of a disability rating and current functioning, and defensible reporting methods.