The Legislative SITREP
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
Important Legislation Could End the Combat-Related Disability Retirement Offset
Louisiana veterans with combat-related disabilities may soon see relief from a decades-old injustice. Senate Bill 1032, known as the "Major Richard Star Act," has been introduced in the 119th Congress with strong bipartisan support, including co-sponsorship from Louisiana Senator John Kennedy.
What This Bill Means for You
For years, military retirees with combat-related disabilities have faced an unfair choice: receive your full military retirement pay OR your VA disability compensation, but not both. This offset has forced our most severely injured veterans to sacrifice earned retirement benefits.
The Major Richard Star Act would eliminate this offset for Chapter 61 medical retirees with combat-related disabilities, allowing concurrent receipt of both military retirement pay and VA disability compensation. This means eligible Louisiana veterans would finally receive the full benefits they've earned through their service and sacrifice.
Who Would Benefit
This legislation specifically helps military members who:
Were medically retired under Chapter 61 due to combat-related disabilities
Currently have their military retirement pay reduced by the amount of their VA disability compensation
Have served our nation with honor and sustained injuries in the line of duty
Louisiana's Role in the Fight
With Louisiana Senator John Kennedy among the co-sponsors, our state is taking a leading role in ensuring our disabled veterans receive fair treatment. This bipartisan support demonstrates the widespread recognition that this injustice must end.
What Happens Next
The bill has been referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee for consideration. If passed, the changes would take effect the first month after enactment, providing immediate relief to qualifying veterans.
Your Voice Matters - Contact Your Representatives
As DAV Louisiana members, your advocacy is crucial. Contact your representatives to express support for the Major Richard Star Act:
U.S. Senators:
Senator Bill Cassidy (R) - Washington: (202) 224-5824
Senator John Kennedy (R) - Washington: (202) 224-4623
U.S. House Representatives:
District 1 - Steve Scalise (R) - Washington: (202) 225-3015
District 2 - Troy Carter (D) - Washington: (202) 225-6636
District 3 - Clay Higgins (R) - Washington: (202) 225-2031
District 4 - Mike Johnson (R) - Washington: (202) 225-2777
District 5 - Julia Letlow (R) - Washington: (202) 225-8490
District 6 - Cleo Fields (D) - Washington: (202) 225-3901
Benefits Protection Support
For assistance with veterans' benefits issues and advocacy support, contact our DAV Department Benefits Protection Team Leader Mack Bailey at rugbyme@yahoo.com. Our team is here to help you navigate benefits challenges and ensure you receive the support you've earned.
Stay Informed and Take Action - Join DAV National's Commanders Action Network Don't miss critical updates on legislation that affects your benefits and rights as a veteran. DAV National's Commanders Action Network is your direct line to staying informed about important bills like the Major Richard Star Act and taking immediate action when it matters most.
Signing up is simple and takes just minutes. Once enrolled, you'll receive timely email notifications about key legislative developments, upcoming votes, and specific actions you can take to support veteran-friendly legislation. The system makes advocacy effortless by providing pre-written messages you can send to your representatives with just a few clicks, or you can customize the messages with your own personal story.
The Commanders Action Network does the heavy lifting for you – tracking legislation, identifying when your voice is needed most, and providing all the tools necessary to contact your representatives effectively. You'll know exactly when to call, what to say, and how your advocacy can make a real difference for veterans across the country. Click the link below to sign up today.
Bottom Line
The Major Richard Star Act represents a long-overdue correction to an inequitable system. Louisiana's disabled veterans have sacrificed enough – it's time they receive the full benefits they've earned. Your voice can help push this vital legislation across the finish line.
