The Major Richard Star Act

The problem

Combat-injured veterans medically retired before 20 years of service are denied their full retired pay because they also receive VA disability compensation.

Retired pay is earned by service. VA disability compensation is for the injury. Veterans who serve 20 years and have a 50% or higher VA rating can generally receive both in full.

What the clean Star Act does

• Lets combat-injured veterans medically retired under Chapter 61 with fewer than 20 years receive both their full retired pay and their VA compensation.
• Doesn’t cut any other veteran’s benefits to pay for it.
• Starts the first month after it becomes law. Not retroactive.

Who it covers

About 54,000–60,000 combat-injured veterans medically retired under Chapter 61 with fewer than 20 years of service (estimates vary by source).

Where it stands

• The discharge petition reached 218 signatures on September 15, 2026, which lets supporters force a House vote. A vote is expected after the House returns in November.
• Bipartisan support: about 340 House cosponsors and about 80 Senate cosponsors, from both parties.
• If Congress hasn’t passed it and sent it to the President by the time this Congress ends on January 3, 2027, it dies and must be reintroduced.

The ask

• House: “Will you vote YES on the clean, standalone Major Richard Star Act when it reaches the floor, with no cuts to other veterans’ benefits?”
• Senate: “When the House passes the Star Act, will you pass it without changes, and without cutting other veterans’ benefits, before this Congress ends on January 3, 2027?”