In a bipartisan initiative, members of Congress have reintroduced the Major Richard Star Act, aiming to grant approximately 50,000 medically retired veterans full access to both their military retirement pay and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation.
This legislative effort seeks to rectify existing policies that reduce retirement pay by the amount received in disability compensation, a practice often referred to as the “VA offset.”
Current Policy on Concurrent Receipt
Under existing regulations, veterans who retire due to medical reasons with fewer than 20 years of service and a disability rating below 50% experience a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their retirement pay equivalent to their VA disability compensation. This offset prevents these veterans from receiving the full benefits they have earned.
Provisions of the Major Richard Star Act
The proposed Major Richard Star Act aims to eliminate this offset, allowing eligible veterans to concurrently receive both their full retirement pay and disability compensation.
The act is named in honor of Army Reserve Major Richard Star, who was medically retired after developing terminal lung cancer linked to environmental exposures during his deployments.
Major Star’s advocacy highlighted the financial challenges faced by medically retired veterans under the current system.
Legislative Support and Advocacy
The reintroduction of the bill has garnered significant bipartisan support. In the Senate, 43 members have co-sponsored the legislation, while the House version has attracted 185 bipartisan co-sponsors.
Veterans service organizations have also rallied behind the bill, emphasizing its importance in correcting systemic inequities faced by combat-injured veterans.
Financial Implications
Implementing the Major Richard Star Act is projected to cost approximately $9.75 billion over the next decade. This estimate considers the average monthly offset experienced by affected veterans, which is around $1,900.
The investment underscores a commitment to ensuring that veterans receive the full spectrum of benefits they have earned through their service and sacrifices.
Eligibility Criteria
The table below outlines the current eligibility criteria for concurrent receipt and the proposed changes under the Major Richard Star Act:
| Retirement Scenario | Years of Service (YOS) | VA Disability Rating | Combat-Related Rating | Eligible for Concurrent Receipt (Current Law) | Eligible for Concurrent Receipt (Under Major Richard Star Act) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20 | ≥50% | No | Yes | N/A |
| 2 | 20 | ≥50% | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| 3 | 20 | <50% | Yes | No | No |
| 4 | 20 | <50% | No | No | No |
| 5 | <20 | ≥50% | No | No | No |
| 6 | <20 | ≥50% | Yes | No | Yes |
| 7 | <20 | <50% | Yes | No | Yes |
| 8 | <20 | <50% | No | No | No |
The Major Richard Star Act represents a pivotal step toward rectifying longstanding disparities in veterans’ benefits.
By enabling medically retired veterans to receive both their full retirement pay and disability compensation, the legislation acknowledges their sacrifices and ensures they are justly compensated.
As the bill progresses through Congress, its potential enactment offers hope for enhanced financial stability and recognition for thousands of combat-injured veterans.
FAQs
What is the Major Richard Star Act?
The Major Richard Star Act is proposed legislation aiming to allow medically retired veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation without any offset.
Who would benefit from this act?
Approximately 50,000 medically retired veterans with fewer than 20 years of service and combat-related disabilities would benefit from the elimination of the current offset between retirement pay and disability compensation.
Why is this legislation necessary?
Under current laws, certain medically retired veterans face a reduction in their retirement pay equivalent to the amount they receive in VA disability compensation. The Major Richard Star Act seeks to eliminate this offset, ensuring veterans receive the full benefits they have earned.