Consistent with the requirements and obligations to protected classes under federal or state law, any locality shall take into consideration or give preference to an individual’s status as an honorably discharged veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States or status as a person with a disability in its employment hiring policies and practices, provided that such veteran or person with a disability meets all of the knowledge, skills and eligibility requirements for the available position. Additional consideration shall also be given to veterans who have a service connected disability rating fixed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Veterans” as used in this section refers to the same class as included in § 2.2-2903 with regard to the state service. “Person with a disability” as used in this section refers to the same class as included in § 51.5-40.1.