Capitol Hill (Photo: Wally Gobetz)
Leading lawmakers and Veterans organizations are once again pushing for support of the Major Richard Star Act, a bill designed to expand benefits for Veterans injured in combat.
The legislation seeks to ensure that all Service Members who medically retire have full access to both military retirement pay and VA disability benefits. Although the bill gained momentum last year, it has since encountered obstacles. Nevertheless, lawmakers and Veterans service organizations on Capitol Hill sponsoring the bill are committed to getting the bill passed into law.
Currently, Veterans with service-connected disabilities often face restrictions on receiving their full retirement pay and disability benefits due to rules against “double-dipping” from federal funding sources. Advocates argue that this system is unjust and denies Disabled Veterans the full compensation they have rightfully earned. The Major Richard Star Act strives to rectify this by eliminating the offset that reduces retirement pay for some Disabled Veterans.
The bill, named after Major Richard Star, an Army Veteran who battled lung cancer linked to toxic burn pit exposure, proposes amending existing laws to expand the number of Veterans exempt from the offset. Despite previous legislative efforts, the Major Richard Star Act offers a renewed opportunity to address this issue. It specifically targets Veterans with combat-related disabilities. It would extend eligibility for Veterans with combat-related ratings of at least 10 percent but fewer than 20 years of service.
Under current regulations, Veterans may qualify for various types of payments upon exiting the military, including military retired pay, disability retirement payments, separation pay, and VA disability compensation. However, the Code of Federal Regulations prohibits multiple payments for the same period of service, leading to offsets for Veterans eligible for more than one benefit. Veterans with less than 20 years of service and a disability rating below 50% experience a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their retirement pay for each dollar of disability pay received. While some Veterans qualify for exemptions or special compensation, many still face reduced benefits.
The Major Richard Star Act would impact approximately 50,000 Veterans with combat-related disabilities who currently do not meet the criteria for concurrent receipt. The bill aims to provide these Veterans with their full retirement and disability benefits, potentially increasing their monthly compensation by an average of $1,200, according to Congressional Budget Office estimates.
Despite bipartisan support, questions about funding have delayed progress on the bill. However, supporters state a moral obligation to provide benefits to Veterans, regardless of cost. Efforts are underway to attach the legislation to other bills, such as the annual defense policy bill, to expedite its passage.
At a recent press briefing and behind closed door meetings, legislators and advocates for Veterans voiced their determination to advance the Major Richard Star Act, seeing it as an essential measure to pay tribute to the dedication and sacrifices made by these Service Members. With widespread support and determination from both sides of the aisle, there is hope that the bill will soon become law.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.