(a)      A returning veteran who is reinstated under this subtitle is entitled to start at the salary and rate of leave accrual that the veteran would have attained if employment with this State had been continuous.

      (b)      In calculating seniority, status, and length of State employment of a returning veteran who is reinstated under this subtitle, the period from the day the veteran entered military service to the day that the veteran is reinstated shall be added to the period of the veteran's State employment.

      (c)      A returning veteran who is reinstated under this subtitle is entitled to:

            (1)      all benefits and privileges, including rate of pay, that result from the additional seniority and status credited under subsection (b) of this section;

            (2)      pension and retirement rights as determined under Title 38, Subtitle 1 of this article; and

            (3)      any service status that the veteran had when the veteran entered military service, with adjustments to reflect the additional seniority credited under subsection (b) of this section.

      (d)      A returning veteran who is reinstated to a position under this subtitle may not be discharged from that position within 1 year after reinstatement without substantial cause and, if the position is a skilled service or professional service position, with the exception of special appointments, only for the reasons and in the manner provided for skilled service or professional service employees.