HB2102, the Major Richard Star Act, would change federal military retirement law to allow certain disability retirees to receive both their retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation when the disability is combat-related. Under current law, some retirees with disability retirement under chapter 61 of title 10 must have their retired pay reduced by the amount of VA disability compensation they receive; this bill creates an exception for combat-related disabilities and removes that offset for those eligible retirees.
The bill amends sections of title 10 and makes conforming changes to the statutory framework governing concurrent receipt, including the rules tied to combat-related special compensation (CRSC). It also eliminates phase-in and related transitional language that previously applied to concurrent receipt, and it sets the change to take effect on the first day of the first month after enactment, applying prospectively to payments for months beginning on or after that date.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would expand concurrent receipt eligibility for uniformed service members and former members who are retired for disability under chapter 61 and also qualify for veterans’ disability compensation for a combat-related disability. It would reduce or eliminate the current offset between military retired pay and VA compensation for this group, increasing monthly benefits for affected retirees and requiring corresponding changes in Department of Defense and veterans’ benefits administration practices. The bill primarily affects title 10, United States Code, and related provisions in title 38 that currently require offsets.
Sentiment
The available context suggests broadly positive and bipartisan support for the bill. The measure was introduced with a very large number of cosponsors from both parties, indicating substantial agreement that combat-related disability retirees should not be penalized by the current offset rules. The bill’s title and framing around the Major Richard Star Act also suggest a strong pro-veteran policy sentiment.
Contention
The main policy issue is whether combat-related disability retirees should receive full concurrent receipt of both retired pay and VA disability compensation, which would increase federal benefit costs and narrow an existing limitation in military retirement law. Supporters appear to view the change as a fairness measure for wounded service members, while any opposition would likely focus on budgetary impact, precedent for expanding concurrent receipt, or the scope of eligibility limited to combat-related disabilities. No committee transcript or recorded votes were provided, so there is no evidence of specific objections in the available materials.