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Spanberger Backs Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Deliver Full Disability Compensation & Retirement Benefits to Combat-Injured Veterans

Mar 22, 2023
National Defense & Foreign Affairs
Press
Veterans' Issues

The “Major Richard Star Act” Would Correct an Issue Preventing Disabled Virginia Veterans from Receiving Full Earned Disability Compensation & Retirement Pay

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today backed bipartisan, bicameral legislation to ensure that Veterans who medically retired due to injuries sustained in combat are able to receive their full disability compensation and retirement pay.

The Spanberger-cosponsored Major Richard Star Act would rectify an injustice that keeps combat-disabled Veterans from receiving full military benefits. Currently, more than 50,000 medically retired Veterans are blocked from receiving their full retirement pay and disability compensation. The legislation would repeal this unfair offset, allowing these disabled Veterans to receive their full benefits.

“Our nation’s Veterans have sacrificed so much to protect our country. The least we can do in return is ensure that they receive the benefits they earned throughout their years of service,” said Spanberger. “I’ve heard directly from Virginia Veterans advocates about the need to fix this longstanding and unacceptable issue. That’s why I’m proud to support legislation to remove burdensome red tape, recognize the sacrifices of our combat-injured servicemembers, and make sure all Veterans receive the benefits they deserve.”

The bipartisan bill is named in honor of Major Richard A. Star, a father, husband, and decorated war Veteran who medically retired as a result of combat-related injuries. Major Star passed away on February 13, 2021.

The Major Richard Star Act is led in the U.S. House by U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25). The legislation is led in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Jerry Moran (R-KS).

ENDORSEMENTS: The Major Richard Star Act is endorsed by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), and The Military Coalition.

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