Do you believe the Major Richard Star Act needs to be passed?

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:48:38 -0500

If you have not heard of the Major Richard Star Act, the legislation would eliminate the offset for disabled veterans who were medically retired before completing twenty years of service. For some, this would result in a large bump in their monthly benefits. Do you believe this legislation needs to be passed? Can you elaborate on your opinion of the legislation?

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Dec 18 at 2024 4:52 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:52:50 -0500

Not real sure what I think of it to be honest. Most folks I know that were medically discharged are now 100% disabled anyway post discharge so there is no offset. 50% and above there is no offset.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Dec 18 at 2024 5:08 PM

MSG Stan Hutchison — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 17:08:57 -0500

The only change I might make is " combat-disabled" perhaps should be "service connected-disabled"

Response by SGT Craig Johnston made May 23 at 2025 7:01 AM

SGT Craig Johnston — Fri, 23 May 2025 07:01:10 -0400

Anything that will help our wounded veterans I believe needs to be passed. Our government isn’t doing nearly enough for these men and women who sacrifice so much for our country. Yes, the Major Richard Star Act should and needs to be passed.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made May 25 at 2025 7:14 PM

LTC Trent Klug — Sun, 25 May 2025 19:14:29 -0400

I would only be in favor of this if it were for disabilities due to combat. Some of the offsets are negated or reduced by the V3 identifier, which is given by the Physical Evaluation Board.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Aug 21 at 2025 3:00 PM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:00:01 -0400

No, based on the state I live in the Disabled Vet doesn't pay property tax nor tax on the disability check.

Response by MAJ Steve Daugherty made Aug 26 at 2025 9:52 AM

MAJ Steve Daugherty — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:52:51 -0400

sounds like a positive idea

Response by SFC Stephen Everett made Aug 28 at 2025 3:29 PM

SFC Stephen Everett — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:29:48 -0400

This is like a similar debate during the ‘80s when the Armed Forces had issues with different identity of ranks; such as, E-4 and SP 4 to E-7 & SP 7. Why have the same ranks, is it because of more pay? I realized back then, no. So, this Combat-Disabled Act? What is the difference of what Veterans Affair recognizes Service-Connected and created a policy that would meet the compliance of being awarded as a Retiree/Veteran and/or Disabled Veteran they meet the compliance of the policy.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 29 at 2025 3:02 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:02:04 -0400

My CRSC pay after 18+ years is peanuts compared to the 100% from the VA. Seems like if would have had the same damage after 6 months of active service instead of 18 years the pay is roughly the same.