Bob Stark, a combat-injured Iraq War veteran, and State Rep. Ken Croken are urging federal lawmakers to pass the Major Richard Star Act, a bill that would provide additional compensation to veterans who were injured while serving in the military.
The Current Issue Facing Veterans
Currently, veterans with less than 20 years of service who are eligible for both military retirement pay and VA disability compensation are forced to choose one or the other. The dollar-for-dollar offset policy prevents them from receiving both benefits at the same time, a policy that many, including Croken and Stark, believe is unfair to those who have sacrificed so much for their country.
“The ‘wounded-veteran tax’ forces them to choose between two benefits when they should be entitled to both,” said Croken. “It’s a matter of fairness for these heroes who have already given so much.”
Key Provisions of the Major Richard Star Act
The Major Richard Star Act would allow combat-disabled veterans with fewer than 20 years of service to receive both military retirement pay and VA disability compensation without the current offset. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to increase wartime disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, clothing allowances for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.
One of the most important aspects of the bill is that it ties the compensation increase to the cost-of-living adjustments for Social Security recipients, which is set to take effect in December 2025. This would ensure that veterans’ benefits keep up with inflation and rising living costs.
Iowa Legislature's Support for the Bill
The effort to pass the Major Richard Star Act has also received support from the Iowa House of Representatives. In February, the House passed a resolution urging Congress to approve the legislation. The resolution was sponsored by Croken and Majority Leader Bobby Kaufmann, showing a unified push from Iowa’s state lawmakers to advocate for veterans.
Looking Toward the Future
The Major Richard Star Act has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of veterans like Stark, who has fought for years to ensure that veterans are properly recognized and compensated. As the bill continues to move through the legislative process, Stark and Croken remain hopeful that Congress will take action and pass this important legislation.
For veterans seeking more information or assistance with navigating their benefits, Veterans Guide offers detailed resources to help you understand the Major Richard Star Act and other veteran-related compensation programs. Whether you’re looking for help with VA disability claims, military retirement pay, or understanding your eligibility for benefits, we are here to support you. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and let us help ensure you receive the benefits you’ve rightfully earned.
