What Is the Major Richard Star Act?

The Major Richard Star Act is proposed legislation that would allow combat-injured military retirees to receive both their full military retired pay and VA disability compensation—without the current offset. Under current law, most retirees with less than 20 years of service must subtract their VA disability compensation from their military retirement pay, reducing their total monthly income.

This bill is named after Major Richard Star, a combat-injured Army veteran who advocated for this change before passing away in 2021. If enacted, the law would correct what many see as a long-standing inequity for medically retired veterans.

Current Law: How Offsets Work

Right now, federal law (see 10 U.S.C. § 1408 and 38 U.S.C. § 5304) requires a dollar-for-dollar reduction in military retired pay for veterans who also receive VA disability compensation, unless they have at least 20 years of service and meet certain criteria. This is called the "VA offset." The only exceptions are for those qualifying for Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) or Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC), but these programs have strict eligibility rules.

For example, a medically retired E-6 with 15 years of service and a 70% VA disability rating might see their retired pay reduced by $1,800 per month—the amount they receive in VA compensation. This offset can cause financial hardship for those forced to retire early due to combat injuries.

What Would Change Under the Star Act

If the Major Richard Star Act becomes law, combat-injured retirees would be able to receive both their full military retired pay and their VA disability compensation, regardless of years of service. This means no more dollar-for-dollar offset for thousands of veterans who were medically retired before reaching 20 years.

  • Eligible veterans would see an immediate increase in monthly income.
  • Families of medically retired veterans would also benefit from higher survivor benefits.
  • There would be no need to apply for CRDP or CRSC to avoid the offset.

This change would apply only to those whose medical retirement was the direct result of combat-related injuries, as defined in 26 U.S.C. § 104(b)(3) and DoD policy.

Who Would Benefit—and What to Do Next

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that over 50,000 veterans could benefit from the Star Act. If you are a combat-injured retiree with less than 20 years of service, this legislation could significantly increase your monthly income.

Here's what you can do now:

  • Review your current retirement and disability status. Use the VA Disability Rating Calculator to estimate your combined rating.
  • Check your retirement paperwork (DD Form 214, medical board findings) for documentation of combat-related injuries.
  • Monitor the progress of the Star Act in Congress. Stay informed through your service organization or the explainers index.
  • Prepare to update your Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) and VA records if the law passes.

You do not need to file a new VA claim, but you may need to provide documentation of your eligibility when the law is enacted.

How to Stay Prepared

While the Major Richard Star Act is not yet law, it has strong bipartisan support. Veterans and families should gather documentation now and stay in touch with their VSOs or legal representatives. If you need help understanding your current benefits, visit our VA claims hub or the military retirement hub for more resources.

Once the law passes, DFAS and the VA will issue guidance on how to receive your full benefits. Be ready to respond quickly to any requests for information so you can maximize your entitled compensation.