More than 200 members of Congress have signed onto newly reintroduced legislation that would allow medically retired service members to get full veteran benefits and disability compensation, as Military.com reported.
It would affect about 50,000 veterans who have less than 20 years of uniformed service and a disability rating under 50%. Current law reduces their retirement pay by a dollar for each dollar they receive in VA benefits.
“The Major Richard Star Act ensures our veterans receive the full benefits they’ve earned through their service and sacrifice protecting our nation regardless of length of service,” Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) said in a joint press release.
Scott is leading the bill with Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). At least 39 other Senators have signed on to co-sponsor.
“This measure corrects one of the deepest injustices in our present veterans’ disability system,” Blumenthal said in the release.
A House version of the bill led by Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) and Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) has at least 185 co-sponsors.
A version introduced in 2023 had overwhelming bipartisan support but didn’t get a vote, largely because of the bill’s cost.
Army photo by Sgt. Ken Scar
