When New Jersey recently passed legislation to separate military affairs from veterans’ affairs, it marked more than a bureaucratic change. For veterans across the state, it represented a long-awaited opportunity to receive the dedicated support they deserve. The law, set to take effect in 120 days, creates a new cabinet-level agency exclusively focused on veterans. For Eric Gang, founder of Gang & Associates and an advocate for veterans’ disability rights, this is a pivotal moment.
“The benefit to New Jersey’s veterans is clear,” Gang says. “For the first time, the state agency can dedicate all of its energy to veterans’ needs without being pulled away by the competing demands of managing the National Guard.”
Gang has been a strong proponent of this move for years. He points out that in the past, veterans’ services often took a back seat whenever military priorities surged, such as deployments or emergencies. With two agencies now working independently, veterans’ programs can grow deeper roots and build the consistency needed to truly change lives.
“This kind of focus allows the agency to get really good at what it does,” Gang explains. “Instead of trying to juggle both military and veterans’ responsibilities, the state can now deliver targeted services like benefits assistance, housing support, education access, and healthcare resources.”
Gang believes the separation also creates an opportunity for collaboration. He envisions a system where the new Veterans Affairs department forms meaningful partnerships with private-sector organizations, including law firms like his. “Veterans tend to value relationships,” he notes. “If state agencies can work hand in hand with local professionals, it will create a synergy that benefits everyone.”
But while Gang applauds the legislative shift, he also stresses the importance of addressing a parallel challenge: the rise of what he calls “claim sharks.” These are unaccredited, for-profit companies that charge veterans thousands of dollars to file benefits claims, services that are often available for free through accredited organizations or the VA.
“These companies are exploiting veterans,” Gang warns. “They charge excessive fees for filling out paperwork that a veteran could easily complete on their own, or that state agencies already provide without cost. It’s unjust, and it undermines trust in the system.”
Gang advocates for strong oversight and public education to protect veterans from these predatory practices. He believes the new agency should not only focus on delivering benefits but also on raising awareness about scams and ensuring veterans know their rights. “If we can cut down on the influence of these bad actors, veterans will be better off financially and emotionally,” he says.
This holistic view of veterans’ well-being is central to Gang’s practice. Gang & Associates doesn’t just secure disability compensation; it aims for transformation. Through its nonprofit, the Disabled Veterans Resource Center, the firm provides educational seminars on health, financial literacy, and lifestyle changes. “We have seen veterans obtain large settlements only to spend them recklessly because they were not prepared to manage money,” Gang explains. “Our goal is to help them turn that compensation into lasting stability and improved health.”
For Gang, this work is deeply personal. Early in his career, he handled cases across different areas of law but found little fulfillment. Everything changed when he represented his first veterans. “The professional satisfaction I experienced was transformative,” he recalls. “Seeing the gratitude and the life-changing impact of our work convinced me to dedicate my entire practice to veterans.”
That dedication informs his perspective on New Jersey’s latest move. He sees the creation of a separate Veterans Affairs agency as a chance to elevate not only the services provided but the mindset surrounding veteran support. “This is about depth, not breadth,” Gang says. “By narrowing their scope, the new agency can go deeper, develop new programs, and find innovative ways to reach more veterans.”
Gang is also urging state leaders to allocate a strong budget to the new department. “Outreach requires resources,” he emphasizes. “If the funding is not there, the impact will be limited. But with the right support, this could be a model for other states to follow.”
Looking ahead, Gang’s hope is that this reorganization will spark a broader cultural shift in how veterans are served, one that recognizes the need for focus, collaboration, and long-term transformation. “At the end of the day, we want veterans to feel supported in every area of their lives,” he says. “This is a major step toward making that vision a reality.”