Pass the Major Richard Star Act (S.1032/ H.R.2102)

Currently, VA deducts retirement pay from veterans with a disability rating of less than 50%. These disabled veterans are being "taxed" for their injuries, which is unacceptable to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). 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 for service-connected injuries. Conflating the two and forcing deductions in retirement pay is disrespectful toward disabled veterans.

IAVA continues to fight for the Major Richard Star Act as a long-time supporter of the standalone bill, including the active House discharge petition.

Additionally, IAVA strongly supports the current attempt to advance the Major Richard Star Act through the latest reconciliation bill, which would ensure our wounded veterans can finally access their full earned benefits without cutting other veterans' earned benefits as an off-set.

Let Congress know NOW that you support Ranking Member McGovern's amendment to include $13 billion to the latest reconciliation bill to fully fund the Major Richard Star Act.