Disabled veterans in the United States are currently unable to receive both their full military retirement pay and disability compensation due to a practice often called the “Wounded Veteran Tax.” The Major Richard Star Act, which has been introduced in both chambers of Congress, seeks to address this issue by allowing qualified veterans to receive both forms of compensation concurrently.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), which includes many members who have served in the U.S. military, has expressed support for the bill. Other major veterans organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), The American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) have also endorsed the legislation.
Currently, combat-injured and medically retired veterans see their retirement pay reduced by an amount equal to what they receive in service-connected disability compensation. This offset prevents them from receiving full benefits for their service.
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant stated: “On behalf of the 600,000 active and retired members of IAM Union, I want to thank the bipartisan group of U.S. Senators and members of the U.S. House of Representatives for supporting this very important piece of legislation that is intended to improve the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for this country. The IAM is a diverse labor union with a very significant number of veterans in our membership. We will always fight for the rights of our veterans. The House and the Senate must pass the Major Richard Star Act to end the unjust offset that penalizes combat-injured veterans by denying them the full benefits they have earned.”
Supporters are urging individuals to contact their legislators in favor of passing this measure, which aims to ensure that America’s veterans receive all compensation owed for their service.
