MINISTRY CONSIDERING NON-RECURRING COMPENSATION FOR DISABLED WAR VETERANS

ZAGREB, Aug 29 (Hina) - Croatia's Deputy War Veterans' Minister Josip Vdovic said on Wednesday the ministry was considering non- recurring compensation for disabled war veterans with up to 50% disability. Vdovic made this statement to Hina when asked to comment on the government's measures aimed at reducing social rights, which include the cancellation of disability allowances for veterans with less than 50% disability. "The measure would refer to persons with a lower degree of disability, who could be employed, or whom the Ministry of Small and Medium Businesses could help start their own businesses," Vdovic said, adding this was the working version of the proposal which was yet to be publicly discussed and possibly integrated in the new law on the rights of Croatian soldiers. Of a total of 33,694 disabled war veterans, 483 are 100% disabled and are in the first category of disabled war veterans, 367 are in the second category whereas most of them have 40% or less than 40% disability. The monthly disability allowance of a 100% disabled war veteran amounts to some 6,400 kuna; those from the second category receive some 4,600 kuna, while those with 20% disability receive about 190 kuna. Vdovic, who chairs a commission for the revision of disability status, established last year by the government, says the commission has processed 792 cases and cancelled disability status in 502 cases due to incomplete and false documents. (hina) sb rml