The Major Richard Star Act significantly increases benefits for certain veterans. This act addresses a long-standing disparity in military retirees’ compensation. As a veteran, I understand the complexities of navigating veterans’ benefits.
Many combat-injured veterans were denied full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation. The Major Richard Star Act aims to rectify this issue by increasing benefits for those who have served.
Understanding the Major Richard Star Act
The Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 1282/S. 334) amends Title 10 of the U.S. Code. This act permits medically retired veterans with less than 20 years of service and combat-related injuries to receive both their full retirement pay and disability compensation. An existing offset reduces retirement pay by the amount of disability compensation received.
This bill eliminates that offset for eligible veterans. The Major Richard Star Act seeks to fairly compensate military personnel injured while protecting our nation’s national defense and national guard.
Who Qualifies for These Increased Benefits?
This bill targets Chapter 61 retirees—those medically retired with less than 20 years of service due to combat-related injuries. Eligibility depends on receiving Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). This is an important point. Those eligible must be receiving special compensation already to get benefits from the veterans bill through the Major Richard Star Act.
Qualifying injuries occur during combat or combat-related training. This stipulation focuses relief on service members whose careers were cut short by combat. It is a crucial step in providing proper support to wounded warriors.
The Impact of the Major Richard Star Act
This bill substantially increases benefits for veterans. The Congressional Budget Office estimates roughly 50,000 veterans may qualify for higher compensation. This number only increases each year. This bill addresses a financial disparity, allowing veterans to receive their earned military retirement pay and VA disability compensation.
The average offset these veterans faced was nearly $1,900 monthly. The Major Richard Star Act provides much-needed financial relief for disabled veterans.
Real-Life Example of How this Bill Can Help
Consider a Sergeant injured in combat and medically retired by the Army after 15 years. This Sergeant deserves both military retired pay for their service and disability for their injuries.
Previously, they faced a difficult choice. This veterans bill eliminates that dilemma. It will provide a financial security net to combat-disabled veterans of the armed services, including the air force, marine corps, space force, and army veterans.
