Pennsylvania Act 2014-180 — MILITARY AND VETERANS CODE (51 PA.C.S.) - PARALYZED VETERAN'S PENSION

Act text

Session of 2014

No. 2014-180

SB 1129

AN ACT

Amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in veterans' pensions and benefits, further providing for paralyzed veteran's pension.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1. Section 7702 of Title 51 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended to read:

§ 7702. [Paralyzed] Amputee and paralyzed veteran's pension.

(a) Amount and eligibility.--In addition to any other assistance provided by the Commonwealth and in addition to any compensation provided by the Federal Government, every amputee and paralyzed veteran shall be paid a pension of $150 per month. Applications for the pensions shall be made to and in the form prescribed by the department. The Adjutant General shall determine the eligibility of every applicant for a pension, and his decision in the matter shall be final.

(b) Regulations.--The Adjutant General shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to implement this program.

(c) Definition.--As used in this section the term " amputee and paralyzed veteran" means any person who served in the military or naval forces of the United States, or any woman's organization officially connected therewith, and who gave this Commonwealth as his or her place of residence at the time of entering the military or naval forces of the United States and who, while performing duties connected with such service, suffered an injury or incurred a disease which resulted in the loss or [loss of use of two or more extremities.] the permanent and severe or complete paralysis of two or more limbs, being defined as having at least two limbs with a 40% disability compensation rating or higher in each limb as determined and certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in accordance with 38 CFR Ch. 1 Pt. 4 (relating to schedule for rating disabilities), or its successor . The term does not include any person separated from the military or naval forces of the United States[, or any woman's organization officially connected therewith,] under other than honorable conditions.

Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

APPROVED--The 22nd day of October, A.D. 2014.

TOM CORBETT