FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Back pay, eligibility, cost, the discharge petition, and more, answered plainly with sources.
1. What is the offset?
Combat-injured service members who are medically retired under Chapter 61 before 20 years of service have their military retired pay reduced, dollar for dollar, by the VA disability compensation they receive. That reduction is the offset. Advocates call it the “wounded veteran tax.”
2. Isn’t this “double-dipping”?
No. Retired pay is earned by years of service. VA compensation is for a service-caused injury or illness. They pay for different things, and veterans with 20+ years and a 50%+ rating can generally already receive both.
3. Who would the Star Act cover?
The clean, standalone Star Act covers veterans who meet all three conditions: medically retired under Chapter 61 (disability retirement), fewer than 20 years of service, and a combat-related disability (eligible for Combat-Related Special Compensation, CRSC). That’s about 54,000–60,000 veterans.
4. Would I get back pay?
No. The clean version starts the first month after it becomes law.
5. What’s the difference between the versions?
The bill as introduced changed two sections of law, and CBO read it as covering about 255,000 retirees. The clean, standalone version coming to the House floor through the discharge petition changes only the CRSC rules for combat-injured veterans with fewer than 20 years. A third version sits inside a 62-bill package that is paid for by cutting future veterans’ benefits.
6. Why does the cost estimate vary so much?
CBO scored the introduced text at $78.1 billion because it read one provision as covering far more people. The discharge version is narrower. CBO hasn’t published a score for it yet.
7. What’s a discharge petition?
When 218 House members sign one, they can force a vote on a bill that leadership hasn’t scheduled. This one reached 218 on September 15, 2026.
8. When is the vote?
A vote is expected after the House returns in November. We’ll update this site when it’s scheduled.
9. What if the Senate doesn’t pass it?
If Congress hasn’t passed it and sent it to the President by the time this Congress ends on January 3, 2027, the bill expires with this Congress and must be reintroduced.
10. Does “combat-related” include burn pits and toxic exposure?
It can. “Combat-related” covers Purple Heart injuries and disabilities caused by armed conflict, hazardous service, conditions simulating war (like training exercises), or an instrumentality of war. Toxic exposures like burn pits can qualify when tied to these conditions. Each service’s CRSC office makes the decision, not the VA rating.
11. Why not support the 62-bill package?
Veterans organizations disagree about the package. Some support every avenue that moves the fix; others, like DAV, oppose cutting future veterans’ benefits to pay for it. Our view: combat-injured veterans shouldn’t wait on a 62-bill package, and no veteran’s benefits should be cut to pay for this one. Pass the clean Star Act now.
12. Who runs this site?
PassTheStarAct.org is an independent, veteran-led grassroots campaign to pass the clean, standalone Major Richard Star Act. We’re run by a combat-injured, medically retired veteran. We don’t take money from anyone, run ads, or endorse candidates.
13. Is this site affiliated with the Star Act Alliance or any veterans organization?
No. PassTheStarAct.org is an independent, veteran-led grassroots campaign. We are not affiliated with the Star Act Alliance, any veterans service organization, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or any member of Congress, party, or candidate.
14. Do you share my information?
No. We don’t sell your data or share it without your permission, and we don’t store the address you use to look up your lawmakers.
Ask your lawmakers to pass the clean Star Act.
Find your representative and senators, see where they stand, and call or write in a few minutes.