Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Secure Full Military Benefits for Local Disabled Veterans

Washington, D.C. –Today, Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have reintroduced the Major Richard Star Act alongside Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). 

This critical legislation will rectify an injustice that keeps combat disabled Veterans from receiving full military benefits. Currently, over 50,000 medically retired Veterans are forbidden from receiving their full retirement pay and disability compensation. The Major Richard Star Act would repeal this unfair offset, allowing these disabled Veterans to receive both their retirement pay and their disability compensation. The bill is named in honor of Major Richard A. Star—a father, husband, and decorated war veteran who, as a result of his combat-related injuries, was medically retired. Major Star sadly lost his battle with cancer on February 13, 2021. Today, when the bill was re-introduced, it already had the support of over 185 original cosponsors in the House and 43 in the Senate. 

"After serving and sacrificing for our nation, too many veterans face unnecessary roadblocks in receiving the benefits they need, have earned, and deserve," said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz(CA-25). "The Major Richard Star Act would repeal the unjust law that stands in the way of veterans receiving the military retirement pay and service-connected disability compensation that they have rightfully earned."

"The brave men and women who return from serving our country should be able to receive the benefits promised to them. Military retirement pay and service-connected disability compensation are two completely different benefits. One does not diminish the merits of the other," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12). "I am committed to rectifying this injustice for all Veterans, and passage of the Major Richard Star Act will get us one step closer to our goal of ensuring that Veterans receive the benefits they have earned and deserve."

"As a member of the American Legion and a concerned veteran, I am deeply troubled by the policy that deducts retirement pay from veterans with a disability rating of less than 50%. Disability compensation and retirement pay are distinct, and veterans should not be penalized for their injuries. This unjust practice needs to end, and our disabled veterans deserve better." -  Timothy Hanratty

The Major Richard Star Act is endorsed by all leading Veteran Service Organizations throughout the country.