East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, both representing Idaho, have introduced the Major Richard Star Act in a bid to ensure that combat-injured veteran retirees receive their full military benefits. This legislation aims to address what the senators describe as an unjust policy affecting over 50,000 combat-injured military retirees.

Senator Risch emphasized the importance of recognizing veterans' sacrifices: "Our veterans made significant sacrifices for our freedoms. Penalizing their retirement benefits due to injuries they incurred during their honorable service to our country is unacceptable." He stated that the act would protect all earned benefits for veterans.

Senator Crapo highlighted the broad support for this legislative correction: "The Major Richard Star Act corrects a severe injustice for combat-wounded veterans," he said. He noted that although Major Richard A. Star, after whom the legislation is named, has passed away, he continues to advocate for its passage on behalf of affected veterans.

Under current regulations, only those with disability ratings above 50% and more than 20 years of service are eligible for full Department of Defense (DOD) retirement and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability payments. The proposed act seeks to amend this policy by ensuring full VA disability and DOD retirement payments for retired combat veterans.

Major Richard A. Star was a decorated war veteran who had to medically retire due to his combat-related injuries before passing away from cancer on February 13, 2021.