New York State's highest court ruled in favor of extending September 11th benefits to three cancer-stricken New York City police officers Thursday.

The New York State Court of Appeals upheld claims for enhanced disability and death benefits initially denied to the officers.

The three officers said their cancers resulted or worsened from rescue, recovery and cleanup work at the World Trade Center after the September 11th attacks.

The court said former officers Karen Bitchatchi and Eddie Maldonado are entitled to accidental disability benefits and a tax-free pension at three-quarters salary.

The court said Frank Macri's widow is entitled to line-of-duty death benefits of his full salary.