Bipartisan Bill Would Give Vets Concurrent Retirement, Disability Pay

March 20, 2025

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

March 20, 2025

Recent News

Army Introduces Data Ops Center to Streamline AI

Army Introduces Data Ops Center to Streamline AI

The Army launched the Data Operations Center this month, starting a new initiative to bring together data sets from across the force into one centralized location. Using the system, information to be used in AI and other data analysis projects will be unified under...

Air Force Restricts SkillBridge Program

Air Force Restricts SkillBridge Program

The Air and Space Force will limit the time officers can utilize the Defense Department’s SkillBridge program based on rank, according to a Stars and Stripes story.  The SkillBridge program allows active-duty service members to gain civilian work experience in their...

In Our Communities

In Our Communities

Drone Defense Training Hosted Near Capital  As part of Task Force 401’s mission to prepare the defense community for drone threats, Fort Belvoir, Virginia recently hosted a counter-drone training exercise. According to an Army report, the exercise prepared staff to...

Congress Returns, Faces Full Legislative Slate

Congress Returns, Faces Full Legislative Slate

Congress is back from its two-week recess, facing several important issues that were left pending.  Both chambers are expected to vote again on an Iran war powers resolution this week, which would require Congressional approval for continued military activity in...

Army Museum Closure Halted

Army Museum Closure Halted

The Army has stopped a plan to close more than 20 museums on bases in response to congressional action, Stars and Stripes reported. Last year’s National Defense Authorization Act required the Army to create a new museum system and notify Congress of any closures.  The...

PAST STORIES