U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, whose district covers Eastern Connecticut, urged the House on Monday, November 9, to advance the Major Richard Star Act. The bill would let eligible veterans medically retired for combat-related disabilities receive both their full military retirement pay and their Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation.
The proposal addresses an offset that reduces military retirement pay for affected veterans who also receive VA disability compensation. Veterans’ groups backing the bill say it would affect roughly 59,000 combat-injured veterans who were medically retired before completing 20 years of service.
On Monday, Rep. Mark Takano of California gave formal notice that he intended to bring up a motion to discharge the House Rules Committee. That procedural vote would clear the way for consideration of the bill if it passes. Courtney’s office expects House action Wednesday, November 11. The proposal would still need to become law before it changes anyone’s benefits.