N.J.S.A. 11A:5-1.1 Veteran status determined for civil service preference
a. The Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs shall be responsible for determining whether any person seeking to be cons… Amended 2 times since 1986.
In plain language
Who decides, and on what evidence. The Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs determines whether someone meets the definition of veteran or disabled veteran for civil service preference and hears appeals from that determination, and the determination binds the Commission. The timing rule catches people: it applies PROSPECTIVELY only, from the date first made or from an appeal decision, so establishing status after a list has issued does not reorder it. Someone without a DD-214 yet may substitute an official certification or verification of service giving the entry date, estimated discharge date and character of discharge. That substitution is provisional: the DD-214 must reach the Adjutant General within 30 days of the person receiving it, and if it does not, the determination of veteran status is revoked.
Written by the NJ Civil Service Navigator editorial team from the text of this section. The statute itself is below, unabridged.
Current through the close of the 221st Legislature (L. 2025, c. 346). What that means
Enacted by L. 2000, c. 127, effective March 1, 2001. Last amended by L. 2021, c. 340, effective January 10, 2022, the most recent of 2 amendments.
A New Jersey statute changes only when the Legislature amends it, so a section untouched since its last amendment is settled rather than out of date.
Reviewed as of July 28, 2026. Official text: njleg.state.nj.us.
a.The Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs shall be responsible for determining whether any person seeking to be considered a “veteran” or a “disabled veteran” under N.J.S.11A:5-1, for the purpose of receiving civil service preference, meets the criteria set forth therein and adjudicating an appeal from any person disputing this determination. The determination of the Adjutant General shall apply only prospectively from the date of initial determination or date of determination from an appeal, as appropriate, and shall be binding upon the commission.#
b.A person seeking to be considered a “veteran” or a “disabled veteran” under N.J.S.11A:5-1, for the purpose of receiving civil service preference, who has not yet been issued Form DD-214 as proof of military service may submit, in lieu thereof, an official certification or verification of military service statement or letter that provides the date of entry into military service, the estimated date of discharge or release, the character of the discharge, and such other information as the Adjutant General shall require. The Adjutant General shall specify the form, content, and source for an official certification or verification of military service statement or letter based on such statements or letters that are approved and provided by the federal military authorities. The person shall submit to the Adjutant General the Form DD-214 no later than 30 days from the date the person receives the form. If a copy is not provided, the prior determination of veteran status shall be revoked.#
Legislative history
Session laws, newest first
- L. 2021, c. 340, section 1Amended
effective January 10, 2022 - L. 2008, c. 29, section 43Amended
effective June 30, 2008 - L. 2000, c. 127, section 3Enacted
effective March 1, 2001
Effective-date provisions
Quoted from the session laws themselves.
- Section 7 of L. 2000, c. 127 provides: “This act shall take effect on the first day of the sixth month after enactment.” Chapter 127, L. 2000, was approved on September 21, 2000.
- Section 120 of L. 2008, c. 29 provides: “This act shall take effect immediately and any actions necessary to implement this act may be taken any time thereafter. General implementation shall be completed no later than 12 months following enactment.” Chapter 29, L. 2008, was approved on June 30, 2008.
Sections this one refers to
- N.J.S.A. 11A:5-1 Definitions