Pass the Major Richard Star Act |
Major kudos to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
During his testimony before Senate Armed Forces Committee, Hegseth was asked by Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal if he will support the Major Richard Star Act. Hegseth affirmed his support.
The act was first introduced in 2023 but has not moved forward because of Republican opposition.
Now, with the Defense secretary on record in support of this legislation, its prospect for passage dramatically improves.
And indeed, it should be passed.
Veterans who are injured and disabled in the course of military service, but manage 20 years of service, are eligible to receive full retirement pay plus full disability payments from the Veterans Administration (providing their disability is rated at least 50% on the VA ratings scale).
However, combat or combat-related disabled vets who do not complete 20 years of service cannot receive full payment on both. VA payments for disability must offset retirement pay, dollar for dollar.
Estimates are that there are some 54,000 veterans in this........