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Bill

A 4675

Directs Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs to enter into agreements to provide certain legal services to certain disabled veterans.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Melinda Kane and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey will fund and coordinate free federal appellate legal services for eligible disabled veterans seeking VA disability benefits, via regional law firms.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4675

Bill Summary — New Jersey A 4675 (Session 222)

Basic overview

  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Title: Directs Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs to enter into agreements to provide certain legal services to certain disabled veterans
  • Purpose: To fund and authorize agreements with law firms to provide federal appellate (appeals) legal services to eligible disabled veterans seeking VA disability compensation, specifically at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Court of Veterans Claims). Services are provided at no charge to eligible veterans.

What the bill would do

  • Create a statewide program administered by the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs (NJ-DVA).
  • Enter into agreements with law firms to provide federal appellate litigation services to eligible disabled veterans pursuing VA disability compensation.
  • Regional access aim: Ensure agreements are established with law firms located in the northern, central, and southern regions of New Jersey, to improve geographic accessibility.
  • Scope of representation: Representation before the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims after an adverse decision by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
  • Cost to veterans: Legal services provided free of charge to the veteran or to a person acting on the veteran’s behalf.
  • Eligibility for veterans:
    • Net worth must be less than $2 million.
    • For cases before the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, fees are barred except as permitted by 38 C.F.R. § 14.636 (i.e., fee arrangements governed by federal rules).
  • Role of next-of-kin or others: Participation in the program may be requested by the veteran’s next-of-kin, friends, or fellow veterans.
  • Law firm qualifications: At a minimum, participating firms must meet these criteria:
    1. Specialize in veteran benefits law with at least 10 years of experience representing disabled veterans in VA disability compensation cases, with VA Form 21-22a establishing the firm as the veteran’s power of attorney.
    2. A principal owner or practice section chairperson must be: licensed in New Jersey, admitted before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, have appeared in at least 300 CAVC cases, and be an accredited VA representative.
    3. Maintain a physical office in New Jersey (in operation for at least one year prior to the bill’s effective date) with staff available during normal business hours to meet with veterans.
    4. Qualify as a nonprofit under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as appropriate (or applicable nonprofit status).
  • Reporting and oversight: The Commissioner may require participating law firms to submit periodic reports on the legal services provided.
  • Consultation and outreach: The Commissioner should, to the extent practicable, consult with veteran service organizations and coordinate outreach with them.
  • Definitions:
    • “Law firm” includes for-profit firms, nonprofit firms, and solo practitioners.
    • “Disabled veteran” means a New Jersey citizen/resident with an honorable discharge or release, who has been or will be declared to have a service-connected disability by the VA.
  • Rulemaking: The Commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the act.

Relevant procedural/timeline details

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.
  • Implementation steps to expect:
    • Establishment of eligibility criteria for veterans and law firms.
    • Development and execution of agreements with eligible law firms across NJ regions.
    • Creation of reporting requirements and regulatory framework to govern the program.
    • Outreach coordination with veteran service organizations.

Potential impact

  • For veterans: Expanded access to free, specialized appellate representation in federal VA disability appellate proceedings, potentially improving outcomes for veterans pursuing disability benefits.
  • For law firms: Creates a formal, state-supported framework for providing veteran benefits appellate services, with specific qualifications and regional distribution requirements.
  • For NJ-DVA: Adds a structured program to connect veterans with experienced legal counsel, plus oversight and reporting obligations.

Notes

  • Net worth cap is set at $2 million for veterans eligible for the free services; fees other than those governed by federal VA rules are prohibited for eligible representations.
  • The bill emphasizes geographic distribution (north, center, south NJ) and ongoing collaboration with veteran service organizations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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