Pass the Major Richard Star Act (S.344/ H.R.1282)

Currently, VA deducts the retirement pay of veterans with a disability rating of less than 50%. These disabled veterans are being "taxed" for their injuries, which is unacceptable for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Disability compensation and retirement pay are two separate and different payments, and both programs have very different legislative intents. DoD awards retirement pay for honorable service, while the VA is responsible for disability compensation. Conflating the two and forcing deductions in retirement pay is disrespectful toward disabled veterans.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America continue to stand with disabled veterans and urge Congress to end this unjust denial of retirement benefits. The Major Richard Star Act (S. 344/ H.R. 1282) would repeal this unfair offset for those disabled veterans who are medically retired due to injuries sustained in combat and allow them to receive their retirement pay without forfeiting their disability compensation.

Tell Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act and ensure that this country keeps its promise to injured veterans in support of this nation's defense.