Bill Allowing Disabled Veterans to Collect Full Benefits Gets New Push from Supporters on Capitol Hill

Leading lawmakers and veterans groups are renewing their push for a bill that would dramatically expand benefits for veterans injured in combat.

The Major Richard Star Act, as the bill is called, would ensure all service members who medically retire have full access to both military retirement pay and Department of Veterans Affairs disability benefits. The bill had some momentum last year but has since stalled.

But veterans service organizations on Capitol Hill this week and lawmakers from both parties who are sponsoring the bill are now vowing to keep fighting until the bill crosses the finish line.

"We're not going to stop until we fix this injustice for our veterans and their loved ones," Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, D-Mont., said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon alongside a throng of veterans.