The Major Richard Star Act is proposed federal legislation that would change how certain military retirees receive pay when they also receive VA disability compensation. It focuses on medical retirees with combat-related disabilities who currently face a dollar-for-dollar offset.
This overview explains what the bill would do, who it targets, and why it is different from current concurrent receipt programs like CRDP and CRSC.
Quick Answer
- The bill would allow eligible medical retirees with combat-related disabilities to receive both retired pay and VA compensation without the current offset.
- It targets retirees who were medically retired before completing 20 years of service due to combat-related disabilities.
- As of early 2026, the bill has been introduced in both chambers of Congress but is not law.
- CRDP and CRSC rules would still apply; the bill addresses a separate gap for certain medical retirees.
- Final eligibility and payment details depend on the final bill text if enacted.
Detailed Explanation
Under current law, many medical retirees with combat-related disabilities have their military retired pay reduced dollar-for-dollar by VA disability compensation. This is often called the concurrent receipt offset. The Major Richard Star Act aims to remove that offset for a defined group of retirees.
The bill is named after Major Richard Star, a combat-injured officer who was medically retired. The intent is to allow certain retirees to keep their full retired pay while also receiving VA disability compensation for combat-related conditions.
It is important to distinguish this proposal from CRDP (Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay) and CRSC (Combat-Related Special Compensation). CRDP generally applies to longevity retirees with 20+ years and certain VA ratings. CRSC applies to combat-related disabilities but is separate from full concurrent receipt.
The Major Richard Star Act would close a gap that exists for combat-injured medical retirees who did not reach 20 years of service and therefore do not qualify for CRDP. If enacted, it would allow them to receive both forms of compensation without the offset.
As of February 1, 2026, Congress.gov lists H.R. 2102 (introduced March 14, 2025) with latest action on April 4, 2025 (referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs). S. 1032 was introduced March 13, 2025 with latest action that same day (read twice and referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee). Status can change, so verify the latest action date on Congress.gov.
Common Mistakes Veterans Make
- Assuming the bill is already law or active for current payments.
- Confusing the Major Richard Star Act with CRDP or CRSC eligibility rules.
- Assuming all medical retirees would qualify if the bill passes.
- Not reviewing retirement documentation to confirm medical retirement status.
- Not documenting the combat-related nature of the disability.
- Relying on outdated articles or social posts for bill status.
How This Affects Your VA Claim
If enacted, the bill could change monthly income for a defined group of medical retirees by restoring retired pay that is currently offset. For eligible retirees, this would be a material change in total compensation.
The impact depends on final bill language, effective dates, and how the DoD implements the change. The VA?s compensation payments would remain separate; the change would be in how retired pay is offset.
For veterans considering CRSC or CRDP today, the Act does not replace those programs. It targets a different eligibility gap, so current program rules still matter in the near term.
If you are not yet sure whether you qualify, gathering retirement orders, VA rating decisions, and combat-related evidence will make it easier to evaluate potential eligibility if the bill becomes law.
How We Assist Veterans
We provide non-representative claim preparation support. That includes organizing evidence, helping you understand the process, and explaining what the VA is asking for in plain language.
Veteran Claims Assistance provides non-representative claim preparation and educational services. We are not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not provide legal representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Major Richard Star Act law right now?
No. As of February 1, 2026, Congress.gov shows H.R. 2102 and S. 1032 still in committee. Check Congress.gov for the latest status.
Does it replace CRDP or CRSC?
No. It addresses a different gap for certain medical retirees and does not replace existing programs.
Would every medical retiree qualify?
No. The proposal focuses on combat-related disabilities and specific retirement circumstances.
Where can I confirm bill status?
Congress.gov is the official public tracker for federal bills.
Read next: [Read next: Major Richard Star Act: Who Qualifies](/blog/major-richard-star-act-who-qualifies)
Services: [See how we assist veterans](/services)
Contact: [Contact us](/contact)
Conclusion: The Major Richard Star Act is a proposed change, and final rules will depend on enacted text and DoD implementation. Keep your retirement and VA records organized, monitor official updates, and verify details with Congress.gov or other official sources. If you need help understanding your documents or options, review our services or contact us for guidance, and confirm details with official VA sources or accredited representatives when needed.