On March 3, 2026, lawmakers once again took to the Senate floor to push for the Major Richard Star Act — a bill that would end the dollar-for-dollar offset between military retirement pay and VA disability compensation for an estimated 50,000 to 54,000 combat-injured veterans. Despite overwhelming bipartisan support with 316 House cosponsors and 77 Senate cosponsors, the bill was blocked from a floor vote for the second time.
If you were medically retired from the military with fewer than 20 years of service due to combat-related injuries, this legislation could mean $10,000 to $30,000 or more per year in additional benefits. Here's everything you need to know about the Star Act, who qualifies, and what it could mean for your finances.
Important: The Major Richard Star Act is NOT law as of March 2026. Do not make financial decisions based on its passage. This guide explains the potential impact if enacted.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Major Richard Star Act?
- Who Was Major Richard Star?
- The Concurrent Receipt Problem Explained
- Who Would Qualify Under the Star Act?
- Financial Impact: How Much More Could You Receive?
- Star Act vs. CRSC: Understanding Your Options
- Legislative Status & Timeline
- What You Can Do Now
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Major Richard Star Act?
The Major Richard Star Act is proposed federal legislation introduced as H.R. 2102 in the House and S. 1032 in the Senate during the 119th Congress (2025-2026). The bill would eliminate the requirement that combat-injured, medically retired veterans forfeit a portion of their military retirement pay when they also receive VA disability compensation.
Under current law, veterans who were medically retired with fewer than 20 years of service (known as Chapter 61 retirees) face a dollar-for-dollar offset: for every dollar they receive in VA disability compensation, their military retirement pay is reduced by one dollar. This effectively forces these veterans to choose between two benefits they've earned — rather than receiving both.
Key distinction: Veterans who served 20+ years with a 50%+ VA disability rating already receive both benefits through CRDP (Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay). The Star Act specifically targets combat-injured veterans who were medically retired before reaching 20 years.
Who Was Major Richard Star?
The legislation is named in honor of U.S. Army Reserve Major Richard A. Star, who served multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. During his service, Major Star was exposed to toxic burn pits — open-air waste disposal sites where the military burned chemicals, medical waste, plastics, and other hazardous materials.
In 2018, Major Star was diagnosed with inoperable Stage IV lung cancer linked to his burn pit exposure. Despite his combat-related terminal illness, he was subject to the retirement pay offset that the Star Act seeks to eliminate. Rather than accepting this quietly, Major Star became a passionate advocate for concurrent receipt reform, testifying before Congress and speaking publicly about the injustice faced by combat-injured veterans.
Major Richard Star passed away on February 13, 2021, at age 42. His advocacy has continued through his family and the veteran community, with the legislation bearing his name now supported by virtually every major veterans service organization.
The Concurrent Receipt Problem Explained
To understand why the Star Act matters, you need to understand how concurrent receipt works in the military retirement system. Military retirement pay and VA disability compensation are two separate benefits earned through service:
- Military retirement pay is based on years of service and rank (or disability rating for medical retirees)
- VA disability compensation is based on service-connected disabilities and is tax-free
However, federal law historically prohibited receiving both benefits simultaneously. While Congress has made progress in fixing this over the years, significant gaps remain:
Current Concurrent Receipt Rules (2026)
| Veteran Category | Service | VA Rating | Gets Both Benefits? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular retiree | 20+ years | 50%+ | Yes (CRDP) |
| Regular retiree | 20+ years | 10%-40% | No — offset applies |
| Combat-related (CRSC) | 20+ years | Any | Partial (CRSC restores combat portion) |
| Chapter 61 medical retiree | <20 years | Any | No — offset applies |
| Star Act beneficiary | <20 years | Combat-related | Yes (if enacted) |
The bottom row shows what the Star Act would change: combat-injured Chapter 61 retirees would finally receive both benefits in full, just like their peers who served 20+ years.
Why this matters financially: A combat-injured E-7 who was medically retired at 15 years currently receives the same total monthly pay as if they only had VA disability — their retirement pay is completely consumed by the offset. The Star Act would add their full retirement pay on top of their VA disability. Use our calculator to see the difference →
Who Would Qualify Under the Star Act?
The Major Richard Star Act would benefit a specific group of veterans. To qualify, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Medically retired under Chapter 61 of Title 10, U.S. Code (retired due to disability, not through length of service)
- Fewer than 20 years of creditable service (veterans with 20+ years already have access to CRDP)
- DoD disability rating of at least 30% (the threshold for Chapter 61 medical retirement)
- Combat-related disability as determined by the military (making you eligible for CRSC)
Who Would NOT Qualify
- Veterans who already receive CRDP (20+ years, 50%+ VA rating)
- Veterans with non-combat-related medical retirements
- Veterans who separated (not retired) from service
- Veterans with only a VA disability rating and no DoD medical retirement
Already receiving CRSC? If you're a Chapter 61 retiree currently receiving CRSC, you would likely benefit from the Star Act. Under the act, you would choose whichever option provides the greater total benefit. For a detailed comparison of CRDP and CRSC under current law, see our CRDP vs CRSC Complete Guide.
Financial Impact: How Much More Could You Receive?
The financial impact of the Star Act varies significantly depending on your rank at retirement, years of service, and VA disability rating. Below are three realistic examples using 2026 pay rates.
Example 1: E-7, 15 Years of Service, 70% VA Rating
| Benefit Component | Current Law | Under Star Act |
|---|---|---|
| DoD Retirement Pay (High-36) | $1,912/mo | $1,912/mo |
| VA Disability (70%, no dependents) | $1,808/mo | $1,808/mo |
| Offset (VA waiver) | -$1,808/mo | $0 (eliminated) |
| Total Monthly Pay | $1,912/mo | $3,720/mo |
| Total Annual Pay | $22,944/yr | $44,640/yr |
| Annual Increase | — | +$21,696/yr |
Calculation: High-36 average of ~$5,100/mo × 37.5% (15 yrs × 2.5%) = $1,912/mo retirement. Under current law, the $1,808 VA payment offsets retirement pay, so the veteran receives only $1,912 total — not $1,912 + $1,808.
Example 2: O-4, 12 Years of Service, 80% VA Rating
| Benefit Component | Current Law | Under Star Act |
|---|---|---|
| DoD Retirement Pay (High-36) | $2,700/mo | $2,700/mo |
| VA Disability (80%, no dependents) | $2,102/mo | $2,102/mo |
| Offset (VA waiver) | -$2,102/mo | $0 (eliminated) |
| Total Monthly Pay | $2,700/mo | $4,802/mo |
| Total Annual Pay | $32,400/yr | $57,624/yr |
| Annual Increase | — | +$25,224/yr |
Calculation: High-36 average of ~$9,000/mo × 30% (12 yrs × 2.5%) = $2,700/mo retirement. The $2,102 VA offset leaves the veteran with only $598/mo in retirement pay plus $2,102 VA = $2,700 total.
Example 3: E-5, 8 Years of Service, 50% VA Rating
| Benefit Component | Current Law | Under Star Act |
|---|---|---|
| DoD Retirement Pay (High-36) | $820/mo | $820/mo |
| VA Disability (50%, no dependents) | $1,133/mo | $1,133/mo |
| Offset (VA waiver) | -$820/mo | $0 (eliminated) |
| Total Monthly Pay | $1,133/mo | $1,953/mo |
| Total Annual Pay | $13,596/yr | $23,436/yr |
| Annual Increase | — | +$9,840/yr |
Calculation: High-36 average of ~$4,100/mo × 20% (8 yrs × 2.5%) = $820/mo retirement. Since VA disability ($1,133) exceeds retirement pay ($820), the entire retirement pay is offset and the veteran receives only the VA amount.
Calculate your specific scenario: Every veteran's situation is different. Plug in your rank, years of service, and VA disability rating to see exactly what your retirement pay would be — and what you could gain under the Star Act.
Star Act vs. CRSC: Understanding Your Options
Many combat-injured Chapter 61 retirees already receive CRSC (Combat-Related Special Compensation), which partially restores waived retirement pay for combat-related disabilities. If the Star Act passes, affected veterans would choose whichever option provides the greater total benefit.
How CRSC Currently Works for Chapter 61 Retirees
Under current law, CRSC restores the lesser of your retired pay amount or the VA compensation rate for your combat-related disability percentage. CRSC is tax-free, similar to VA disability compensation.
Star Act vs. CRSC Comparison
| Feature | CRSC (Current Law) | Star Act (Proposed) |
|---|---|---|
| Restores full retirement pay? | Partial (limited to combat-related portion) | Yes (full concurrent receipt) |
| Tax treatment of retirement pay | CRSC portion is tax-free | Retirement pay is taxable |
| VA disability | Tax-free | Tax-free |
| Requires combat-related disability | Yes | Yes |
| Requires <20 years service | No (any retiree) | Yes (Star Act targets this group) |
| Application required | Yes (apply through service branch) | Would be automatic |
Tax consideration: CRSC is entirely tax-free, while under the Star Act, your restored retirement pay would be taxable income. In most cases, the Star Act still provides significantly more total after-tax income. However, veterans in higher tax brackets should calculate both scenarios.
For a complete breakdown of CRDP and CRSC under current law, read our CRDP vs CRSC Complete Guide 2026.
Legislative Status & Timeline
The Major Richard Star Act has been introduced in multiple congressional sessions. Here is the timeline for the current 119th Congress:
S. 1032 and H.R. 2102 introduced in the Senate and House respectively.
H.R. 2102 referred to the House Veterans' Affairs Committee's disability assistance and memorial affairs panel. S. 1032 referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee.
First Senate unanimous consent attempt blocked by objection.
Proposed as amendment to FY2026 NDAA in the Senate but not included in the final bill.
Iowa becomes the latest state to formally support the Star Act. 8+ state legislatures have passed or considered resolutions urging Congress to pass the bill.
Second Senate unanimous consent attempt blocked. Sen. Moran (Chairman, Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee) speaks on the floor reaffirming commitment to passage. Sen. Blumenthal receives standing ovation during joint hearing.
Cosponsor Count (as of March 2026)
| Chamber | Bill | Total Cosponsors | Democrats | Republicans | Independents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| House | H.R. 2102 | 316 | 192 | 124 | — |
| Senate | S. 1032 | 77 | 41 | 34 | 2 |
Why Hasn't It Passed?
Despite overwhelming bipartisan support, the Star Act has faced two primary obstacles:
- Cost concerns: The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the bill would cost approximately $9.75 billion over 10 years. The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) disputes this figure, arguing the actual cost would be significantly lower.
- Procedural roadblocks: The bill has been blocked twice from a Senate floor vote through unanimous consent objections, which require only a single senator to object.
Supporting Organizations
The Star Act is endorsed by virtually every major veterans service organization, including:
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
- Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)
- Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)
- National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS)
- American Legion
- Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
What You Can Do Now
Whether or not you would directly benefit from the Star Act, here are concrete steps you can take:
If You're a Combat-Injured Chapter 61 Retiree
- Apply for CRSC if you haven't already. Even without the Star Act, CRSC can partially restore your waived retirement pay for combat-related disabilities. Apply through your service branch.
- Calculate your potential benefit. Use our Military Retirement Calculator to model your current benefits and see what you could gain under the Star Act.
- Document everything. Ensure your combat-related disability determinations are current and accurate with both the DoD and VA.
- Contact your representatives. Let your senators and House member know you support the Star Act. Personal stories from affected veterans are powerful.
If You Support the Star Act
- Contact your senators and ask them to support S. 1032
- Contact your House representative and ask them to support H.R. 2102
- Share information about the Star Act with fellow veterans
- Support veterans service organizations that are lobbying for passage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Major Richard Star Act?
The Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102 / S. 1032) is proposed legislation that would allow combat-injured veterans who were medically retired with fewer than 20 years of service to receive both their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation simultaneously. Currently, these veterans face a dollar-for-dollar offset that reduces their total benefits.
Who would qualify under the Major Richard Star Act?
The bill would benefit Chapter 61 medical retirees with combat-related disabilities who served fewer than 20 years. You must have a DoD disability rating of at least 30% and be eligible for CRSC (Combat-Related Special Compensation). This affects approximately 50,000 to 54,000 veterans.
Has the Major Richard Star Act passed in 2026?
No. As of March 2026, the Star Act has not been enacted into law. Despite 316 House cosponsors and 77 Senate cosponsors, the bill has been blocked twice from a Senate floor vote and was not included in the FY2026 NDAA. Veterans organizations and lawmakers continue to push for passage.
How much money would the Star Act give veterans?
The additional annual income varies widely depending on rank, years of service, and VA disability rating. Our examples show potential gains ranging from $9,840/year (E-5, 8 years, 50% VA) to $25,224/year (O-4, 12 years, 80% VA). Use our calculator to estimate your specific situation.
What is the difference between CRDP, CRSC, and the Star Act?
CRDP allows veterans with 20+ years of service and 50%+ VA disability to receive both retirement pay and VA disability. CRSC provides tax-free compensation to veterans with combat-related disabilities, partially restoring waived retirement pay. The Star Act would extend full concurrent receipt to combat-injured Chapter 61 retirees with fewer than 20 years — a group currently excluded from CRDP. Read our CRDP vs CRSC Complete Guide for more details.
Why is it called the Major Richard Star Act?
The act honors U.S. Army Reserve Major Richard Star, who was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer from burn pit exposure during his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite his combat-related terminal illness, he was subject to the retirement pay offset. Major Star became a vocal advocate for reform before passing away on February 13, 2021, at age 42.
Ready to calculate your military retirement benefits? Whether you're a Chapter 61 retiree wondering what the Star Act could mean for you, or you're planning your transition, our calculator can help you see the full picture.