Testa Bill to Increase Payments for Permanent Wartime Service Injuries Clears Panel

New Jersey veterans blinded or paralyzed from wartime service injuries would see an increase in monthly payments from the state's Catastrophic Entitlement Fund under Senator Michael Testa's legislation advanced today by the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

"These brave men and women went to war to defend our nation, and they are force to live with their devastating injuries every day," said Testa (R-1). "No amount of money can make up for what they have endured, but New Jersey can do better than the $62.50 monthly payment. Heroes deserve better."

Testa's bill, S-1536, would increase payments to qualifying veterans to $1,800 per year, more than twice the current $750.

"These monthly payments haven't changed in more than 40 years," said Testa. "It is about time to upgrade the totals and remind these brave vets, or their surviving spouses, that we appreciate their sacrifices and recognize their service."

For veterans who suffered significant long-term injury, New Jersey's contributions from the Blind and Hemiplegic Veterans' Allowance Programs, complement the full disability benefits from the Veterans Administration in Washington.