Major Richard Star Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]
- Committees
- Veterans' Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 4, 2025
Bottom line
The Major Richard Star Act eliminates a long-standing offset, allowing veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both their full military retired pay and VA disability compensation.
What it actually does
This bill amends title 10, United States Code, to eliminate the offset between veterans' disability compensation and military retired pay for disability retirees with combat-related disabilities. Specifically, it ensures that military retirees receiving retired pay under Chapter 61 for combat-related disabilities, or those eligible for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC), can concurrently receive their full disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs without a reduction in their retired pay.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill rectifies a fundamental injustice by ensuring that veterans who were medically retired due to combat-related injuries receive all benefits they have earned. They contend that disability compensation for combat injuries should not be offset against retired pay, as these are distinct entitlements for different purposes: one for service and the other for injury sustained in combat.
Opponents contend
Historically, concerns about concurrent receipt have centered on the significant fiscal cost of eliminating the offset, often framed as preventing 'double-dipping' from federal funds. However, for this specific bill focusing on combat-related disabilities, active opposition is minimal, with broad bipartisan support often outweighing budget concerns.
The bill is very short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its core provisions quickly.
Section 2(a)
Concurrent Receipt for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) Eligible Retirees
This provision amends section 1413a(b)(3) of title 10, United States Code, to specify that the retired pay of a retiree eligible for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) will no longer be subject to reduction under sections 5304 and 5305 of title 38. This means that veterans receiving CRSC will receive their full retired pay in addition to their VA disability compensation, without any offset.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this change ensures veterans are fully compensated for injuries sustained in combat, recognizing that CRSC is intended as special compensation for combat-related disabilities, separate from earned retired pay. They believe it is a matter of fairness and honoring service.
Critics contend
While direct opposition to this specific provision is rare, historical arguments against expanding concurrent receipt have focused on the fiscal impact of increased federal expenditures and the principle of avoiding 'double-dipping' from government funds.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the widely supported goal of fully compensating combat-injured veterans with the fiscal implications of increased federal spending by removing an existing offset.
Section 2(b)
Concurrent Receipt for Chapter 61 Disability Retirees with Combat-Related Disabilities
This section amends section 1414(b) of title 10, United States Code, to establish a special rule. It states that a member or former member of the uniformed services who is entitled to retired pay under Chapter 61 (disability retirement) and is also entitled to veterans' disability compensation for a combat-related disability will receive both for that month without any reduction under sections 5304 and 5305 of title 38.
Section 2(d)
Effective Date
This section specifies that the amendments made by this Act will take effect on the first day of the first month beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. The changes will apply to payments for months beginning on or after that date.