Lawmakers Renew Effort to Pass Major Richard Star Act for Combat-Injured Veterans
Imagine surviving war, coming home broken but alive — and then being told your benefits cancel each other out.
That’s exactly the reality for nearly 50,000 combat-injured veterans across the United States. They’re caught in the red-tape grip of a government policy that deducts retirement pay for those who also receive VA disability compensation. That’s right: these warriors get penalized simply for being medically retired before the 20-year mark.
But change might finally be on the horizon.
The Major Richard Star Act has been reintroduced in Congress. And if passed, it would correct one of the VA system’s most egregious injustices — allowing medically retired veterans to receive both payments in full.
So, What’s the Problem Right Now?
Currently, veterans who medically retire with less than 20 years of service and receive less than a 50% VA disability rating are forced to give up a portion — or sometimes all — of their retirement pay, dollar-for-dollar, to account for their VA disability compensation.
The government calls it “avoiding duplicate payments.”
Veterans call it bullsh*t — and rightfully so.
These are two completely different entitlements:
- Retirement pay is earned through service — even if cut short due to injury.
- Disability compensation is owed for injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Subtracting one from the other? That’s like thanking someone for their sacrifice with one hand and taking their wallet with the other.
Who Was Major Richard Star?
This act isn’t just policy — it’s personal.
Major Richard Star was an Army Reserve officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, he was medically retired due to toxic exposure from burn pits — the same ones now being addressed in PACT Act legislation. He received a 100% disability rating but lost a portion of his military retirement pay because of existing law.
He didn’t accept it quietly.
Until his death in 2021, Major Star was a tireless advocate for correcting this injustice. The bill that bears his name is a tribute to his fight — and to every vet who’s been told “thanks for your service, but …”
How Many Veterans Would This Help?
According to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and other veteran advocates, approximately 50,300 combat-injured veterans are directly impacted. These are individuals who:
- Were medically retired (not voluntary retirement)
- Have a combat-related injury
- Did not reach the 20-year service requirement
- Are receiving reduced or zero retirement pay due to “concurrent receipt” laws
And it’s not just about the paycheck — it’s about respect, dignity, and justice for those who put their bodies and futures on the line.
What’s the Status of the Bill?
This isn’t the bill’s first rodeo. In fact, it has gained massive bipartisan support in previous years:
- 326 cosponsors in the House
- Over 70 supporters in the Senate
So why hasn’t it passed?
Money.
Lawmakers argue over how to fund it — a grim reminder that when it comes to veterans’ benefits, budget debates can outweigh battlefield scars. The cost of fixing this? Around $8 billion over 10 years. The cost of not fixing it? The continued betrayal of disabled veterans.
What Lawmakers Are Saying …
“This measure corrects one of the deepest injustices in our present veterans’ disability system.” ~ Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
“Military retirement pay and service-connected disability compensation are two completely different benefits. One does not diminish the merits of the other.” ~ Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
The veteran community agrees — and they’re not staying quiet.
What Can YOU Do About It?
If you’re reading this and you’re fired up — good. Because this fight isn’t over. Here’s how you can help keep the pressure on:
- Watch this quick video on YouTube that breaks down the bill and shows real veterans talking about its impact.
- Contact your representatives. Let them know you support the Star Act. You can find them here.
- Support organizations like MOAA, DAV, and Wounded Warrior Project — all of whom are advocating for this legislation.
- Spread the word. Share this blog, talk to fellow veterans, and raise awareness.
Final Thoughts: This Isn’t a Handout — It’s a Correction.
Veterans didn’t ask to be injured.
They didn’t choose to be medically retired.
And they sure as hell didn’t sign up to be financially shortchanged because they didn’t serve “long enough.”
The Major Richard Star Act isn’t a radical idea — it’s common sense. It acknowledges that combat wounds should not cost anyone their retirement.
If this country can find billions for weapons, walls, and bailouts, we can damn well make sure our injured veterans aren’t left holding the bag.
In 2016, veterans were literally changing clothes in the bathroom at VA in hopes they’d lose any investigator present inside or outside the facility. Also taking great care at home, only leaving the house at certain times on certain days. All of this because some asshole at VA lied… and it wasn’t the veteran. Where is remedy for the civil rights violations?
They should turn those CBOCs into euthanasia clinics. Might as well. Usefulness and health outcomes would be the same. People don’t need bloated and expensive beaurocracy to get shots and pills… which is all they basically do. You’re fucked if you need a whole host of other things done. Trump is doing the right thing by firing a bunch of people IF that money goes to veterans healthcare instead. Looks like the courts and Congress will always be derelict in bringing functional, socialized heathcare to the USA.
The compensation and pension benefits are good. The healthcare is superficial, a theater performance, a scam. You’ll get shots, pills, and they MIGHT save your life if you show up to the ER. Otherwise it’s not complete healthcare and people find that out the hard way. Open the VHA up to the public and watch the scam implode overnight.