FACT
The Congressional Budget Office estimated in 2023 that veterans impacted by the Major Richard Star Act could receive an average of roughly $1,200 more each month.
FACT
Recent estimates put the cost of the bill at $8 billion over 10 years, but WWP believes the cost will be even less, as not all of the 54,000 eligible veterans will choose to switch. Every veteran’s situation will be different, and some may choose to retain their tax-free CRSC at no additional cost to the government.
fact
DoD retirement pay and VA disability compensation are different benefits created for two distinct reasons. Retirement pay compensates the retiree for the years of service sacrificed to defend this nation. In contrast, VA disability pay compensates for the loss of future earned income due to service-connected disabilities.
So?
Congress allows close to a million retired veterans with 20-plus years of service and a disability rating of 50% or higher to receive both their retirement pay and VA compensation. The Major Richard Star Act would provide the same opportunity to the 54,000 veterans who were FORCED to retire because of combat or combat-related injuries.
FACT
This isn't the right time to be offering new benefits.
MYTH
The bill wouldn't have a real impact on veterans who need it most.
MYTH
The bill is too expensive.
MYTH
Veterans are "double-dipping" when they recieve both benefits.
MYTH
This isn't the right time to be offering new benefits.
MYTH
The bill wouldn't have a real impact on veterans who need it most.
MYTH
The bill is too expensive.
MYTH
FACT
MYTH
Veterans are "double-dipping" when they recieve both benefits.
So?
Congress allows close to a million retired veterans with 20-plus years of service and a disability rating of 50% or higher to receive both their retirement pay and VA compensation. The Major Richard Star Act would provide the same opportunity to the 54,000 veterans who were FORCED to retire because of combat or combat-related injuries.
So?
MYTH
The bill is too expensive.
So?
So?
Congress appropriated $852.2 billion for the defense budget in FY 2024. The Major Richard Star Act would make up roughly just .1% of all defense spending. For that amount, we can honor, respect, and support those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
So?
MYTH
The bill wouldn't have a real impact on veterans who need it most.
So?
The impact of removing the offset would be very significant for veterans, many of whom continue to deal with the physical, mental, emotional, and financial ramifications of injuries sustained during service.
The Major Richard Star Act isn’t a new idea, policy, or benefit, but fixes what was missing in 2004 when Congress eliminated the offset for wounded military retirees with at least 20 years of service.
MYTH
This isn't the right time to be offering new benefits.
So?
So?
Lawmakers narrowly tailored this bill to help the 54,000 veterans who were forced to retire due to combat or combat-related injuries. The bill simply allows them to receive the benefits they have earned and should have received years ago.
FACT
FACT
FACT
Not that many veterans are affected by this penalty.
MYTH
So?
The Congressional Budget Office estimated in 2023 that veterans impacted by the Major Richard Star Act could receive an average of roughly $1,200 more each month.
FACT
So?
The impact of removing the offset would be very significant for veterans, many of whom continue to deal with the physical, mental, emotional, and financial ramifications of injuries sustained during service.
The bill wouldn't have a real impact on veterans who need it most.
MYTH
This isn't the right time to be offering new benefits.
MYTH
The bill wouldn't have a real impact on veterans who need it most.
MYTH
Not that many veterans are affected by this penalty.
MYTH
The bill is too expensive.
MYTH
FACT
Veterans are "double-dipping" when they recieve both benefits.
MYTH
This isn't the right time to be offering new benefits.
MYTH
The bill wouldn't have a real impact on veterans who need it most.
MYTH
Not that many veterans are affected by this penalty.
MYTH
The bill is too expensive.
MYTH
FACT
Veterans are "double-dipping" when they recieve both benefits.
MYTH
This isn't the right time to be offering new benefits.
MYTH
The bill wouldn't have a real impact on veterans who need it most.
MYTH
Not that many veterans are affected by this penalty.
MYTH
The bill is too expensive.
MYTH
FACT
Veterans are "double-dipping" when they recieve both benefits.
MYTH
This isn't the right time to be offering new benefits.
MYTH
The bill wouldn't have a real impact on veterans who need it most.
MYTH
Not that many veterans are affected by this penalty.
MYTH
The bill is too expensive.
MYTH
FACT
Veterans are "double-dipping" when they recieve both benefits.
MYTH
FACT
The bill wouldn't have a real impact on veterans who need it most.
MYTH
So?
The impact is significant. Department of Defense data shows that 68% of young Americans cite concerns about injury as a reason not to serve. Fixing this policy restores fairness for veterans and sends a clear message to future Service members and their families: those injured in service will be treated justly.
54,000 wounded veterans who were forced to medically retire are being denied their earned benefits.
FACT
Not that many veterans are affected by this penalty.
MYTH
Not that many veterans are affected by this penalty.
54,000 wounded veterans who were forced to medically retire are being denied their earned benefits.
SO?
The impact is significant. Department of Defense data shows that 68% of young Americans cite concerns about injury as a reason not to serve. Fixing this policy restores fairness for veterans and sends a clear message to future Service members and their families: those injured in service will be treated justly.