Disabled veterans are currently not receiving the full retirement compensation they are entitled to due to an offset that reduces their retirement pay by the amount they receive in service-connected disability compensation. This reduction, often referred to as the “Wounded Veteran Tax,” affects combat-injured, medically retired veterans.
The Major Richard Star Act, which has been introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, aims to change this policy. The legislation would allow specifically qualified veterans to receive both their full retirement pay and disability benefits concurrently.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), a labor union with many members who have served in the U.S. military, has expressed support for the bill. The legislation is also backed by several major veterans organizations across the country, including Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), The American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
“On behalf of the 600,000 active and retired members of IAM Union, I want to thank the bipartisan group of U.S. Senators and members of the U.S. House of Representatives for supporting this very important piece of legislation that is intended to improve the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for this country,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The IAM is a diverse labor union with a very significant number of veterans in our membership. We will always fight for the rights of our veterans. The House and the Senate must pass the Major Richard Star Act to end the unjust offset that penalizes combat-injured veterans by denying them the full benefits they have earned.”
Supporters are encouraged to contact their legislators urging passage of this bipartisan bill.
