N.J. Stat. Ann. § 38A:21-12

The Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs shall determine whether any person seeking to be considered a "veteran" or a "disabled veteran" under N.J.S.11A:5-1, N.J.S.18A:66-2, section 6 of P.L.1954, c.84 (C.43:15A-6) or section 1 of P.L.1983, c.391 (C.43:16A-11.7), meets the criteria set forth therein and shall be considered a veteran or disabled veteran, as appropriate, for the purposes of these laws. The commissioner shall adjudicate an appeal from any person disputing the decision of the commissioner as to whether a person is to be considered a veteran or disabled veteran, as appropriate, for the purposes of these laws. The commissioner shall promptly notify the public entity responsible for administering each such law of the determination of the commissioner, and the determination shall be binding on such public entities.