A group of East Tennessee veterans has returned from Washington, D.C., after a powerful push for expanded military benefits, taking their fight directly to lawmakers on Capitol Hill. The veterans are advocating for the Major Richard Star Act, a crucial bill aimed at allowing certain combat-injured veterans to receive both full military retirement pay and Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation simultaneously.
Major Richard Star Act Seeks to End 'Wounded Veterans Tax'
Under current law, veterans medically retired before serving 20 years must forfeit a portion of their retirement pay if they also receive disability benefits, a policy widely criticized as a “wounded veterans tax.”
Retired Air Force Maj. Eric Boyer, now a resident of East Tennessee, emphasized the impact of this policy on roughly 54,000 combat-injured veterans across the nation, many of whom were forced into early retirement due to service-related injuries. Boyer, who was medically retired after 17 years due to post-traumatic stress disorder from his deployment in Afghanistan, expressed his frustration with the system: “We were promised a pension, and they’ve not delivered. It’s frustrating. It is common sense.”
Veterans Rally in Washington to Secure Full Benefits
Last week, Boyer and around 20 other veterans traveled to Washington to meet with members of Congress, hoping to push the bill across the finish line after years of delays. “We made some appointments and we made some cold calls,” Boyer said. “What’s it going to take to get this across the finish line? We explained how feasible this would be.”
The Major Richard Star Act has garnered bipartisan support, including co-sponsorship by Sen. Marsha Blackburn, with over 100 co-sponsors in the House and more than 70 in the Senate. Blackburn, a staunch advocate for veterans, has been vocal about the bill’s importance, stating, “Over 400,000 Tennessee veterans have taken an oath to defend our nation. The Major Richard Star Act would ensure veterans injured in combat who were forced to medically retire early receive the full benefits they’ve earned.”
Concerns Over Costs Delay Key Bill for Combat-Injured Veterans
However, despite this growing support, the bill has yet to advance due to concerns about its cost. Boyer and fellow advocates contend that these concerns are based on inflated estimates, arguing that the bill targets a smaller, specific group of veterans—combat-injured service members—rather than the larger pool initially projected.
“We’re not asking for much in terms of the overall picture,” Boyer said. “Just to take care of some wounded veterans.”
While in D.C., the group met with several lawmakers and highlighted the ongoing efforts of leaders like Sen. Richard Blumenthal to push the legislation forward, even attempting to attach it to broader spending measures. Boyer believes the trip made a significant impact, saying, “I think our presence there in D.C., it generated some movement. We’re hopeful that this year may finally be the year.”
Veterans' Tenacity Drives Efforts for Change
As the Major Richard Star Act continues to gain momentum, veterans and their advocates will likely maintain their push for the bill’s passage, striving for full retirement pay and disability benefits for combat-injured service members. While the legislation has bipartisan support, concerns about its cost and ongoing delays persist. Veterans, like those from East Tennessee, remain steadfast in their fight, urging lawmakers to prioritize this issue and provide the support that has been promised.
Need Help Navigating Veterans Benefits?
Veterans Guide offers comprehensive resources to help you understand state benefits, VA disability claims, and other veteran compensation programs. Whether you need assistance with military retirement pay, eligibility for state benefits, or any other questions, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us ensure you receive the benefits you’ve earned.
