The House Armed Services Committee advanced a bill that would boost disability payments for medically retired veterans.
The bill, known as the Major Richard Star Act, could help around 50,000 medically retired veterans get increased benefits.
It would ensure that veterans who medically retire before serving 20 years would have full access to both VA disability benefits and military retirement pay.
Currently if a veteran served less than 20 years and has a disability rating of less than 50%, they will have their retirement pay reduced depending on the amount of disability pay they get.
Many veterans organizations have long fought for a solution to this big injustice that has widely impacted the veteran community.
The advancement of this bill is an important step in the right direction, however there are still hurdles it needs to pass to be put into law.
While it has broad support from both sides of the political aisle, questions remain about how it will be paid for.
More via Military.com:
The Congressional Budget Office has estimated the legislation could cost an estimated $9.75 billion in what’s known as mandatory spending over the next decade.
Despite Wednesday’s breezy passage through the House Armed Services Committee, questions about how to pay for the bill remain, making its path to final passage unclear. Under House rules, increases to mandatory spending must be offset.
“Although I support this bill, I am disappointed the committee is being forced to act on it before a pay-for could be found. Moving a bill forward with mandatory spending that isn’t fully offset opens the bill up to a point of order against its consideration on the floor,” Rogers said. “Nevertheless, we will work with leadership and the VA committee to see if an offset can be found for this bill.”
Ultimately the advancement of the Major Richard Star Act is a promising step forward in the battle to get our nations veterans the full benefits they deserve. The hope is that lawmakers will find a way to come up with the money needed to get the bill signed into law.
Thanks You
Why VA can’t pay 100% total unploy veterans all taxes on their cars , when they give them VD disability tags
I have a question how could they let Vetrans go on to the military base only to visit and not allow to shop? with that VA ID pass, it does not make any sense, only a National Guard base,s allows you to purchase items on the base I understand that it is a state base but I think when you serve with honor you should go to any base with a VA card and buy stuff without any question but it doesn’t work that way on a Fed Base
SIR I AM A DISABLED VIETNAM VETERAN, I WAS ABLE TO OBTAIN A DISABILITY RATING. I HAVE A MINISTRY OF HELPING THOSE WHO NEED HELP ESPECIALLY DISABLED VETERANS…
I AGREE WITH YOUR COMMENT. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
I AM REV ROYCE BEASLEY
MY EMAIL IS [email protected]
MINISTRY CELL 915 777 7230
Any Veteran with a Service Connected Disability can use the Commisary and PX. Their VA card has to show VA connected disability.
Any information about service injury ànd be compensated would be greatly appreciated.
Huh
What kind of Disability are you talking about. Or are you asking about Benefits from the VA itself.
This picture for Mr. Jeff Dewey.
you need to contact Dale Gramham Veteran foundation 1233 Lindsey St. Norman Ok. phone 405 550 8806 they have helped thousands of Vet from all over the country they do not charge you they are very good at what they do
How can a woman get ptsd for sexual harassment from the early 80’s when you couldn’t report it yet brass knew it was happening
Omg
Do you remember names where you were at. Other people you confided in. Who the commander was at the time. Get some where by yourself and think it is there. It will not be easy in some cases it will be like reliving it again. This is your time to get it out put it on paper where you can see it. It was not easy for me and it will not be easy for you but, over time it, you will get better.
It definitely is not easy; and yes, you do relive the same incident over and over; it is beyond traumatizing.; You are victimized twice in this incident; with little or no help to move forward.
See if you can find a female Veterans Service Officer, get into the VA medical system to start seeing both a psychiatrist & psychologist to get it in your record and if that doesn’t work get a lawyer. I sat at 10% for over 20 years because my VSO was a male and didn’t believe in getting benefits for non-combat related PTSD.
Yes, they knew it was happening. Even when you attempted to report it, you were discouraged from going forward because “you don’t really wanna ruin $$$! career”. The hell with your own career, of being ostracized, being labeled; We haven’t gotten to the trauma inflicted on you, the assault that you relive everyday; sudden noises, night terrors!!
I am so sorry for the rant; but we were victimized for just daring to wear that uniform; The attitude was “how dare you”!
Forty years later, I still wake-up screaming!!
Nothing, other than yourself prohibited you from reporting any crime or personal assualt.
Wearase many States already have provisions to exempt disability Pay from taxes yet Federal continues to tax Veterans. Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) is deemed non taxable. It would seem logical both disability and retirement Pay be a logical decision to level compensation playing field for all Veterans honorably retired from Military Services.
Lee’s plummer 100 percent dead in 1 ear 75 in other 21 year 7 days a week 18 hour days 120 degrees mmc engin room the the water on both had jet fuel in it for a week then 3 of us inhaled fre0n they laid us on the deck to keep from dying give me 10 percent out of my navy retirement then pay 2500 in taxes 170 Medicare a &b and tricare for life lord and have to pay for medications for delivery where are my right nuclear key holder and save the marine 3 bronze star
Contact Hill and Ponton in Florida. They are VA disability lawyers and only handle VA disability. They got me from 40% to 90% in 3 years and now they got me total unemployability pay at 100% and also got me 12 years of back pay. I swear by them. Contact them and they can help you.
What that cost you? 25%,50% of that back pay?
No, that’s not how it works. The lawyer gets 30% of that first check, and that is all they get. My lawyer got me from 65% disabled to 100, with 5 years of back-pay, so he got 30% of that first check for the back pay. Actually, at the time, we could not have a lawyer for VA, so what he did was go for my social security. He sent me to three doctors (which I did not pay for) and my VA health records. That all simply verifie4d that I did have a very bad back, I had an aneurism (which is why they retired me), and I had a few other medical problems that I had gotten while I was serving my 17 years in the Navy. The judge agreed with the doctors and ruled I was unemployable. So, I started getting a check from SSI. every month, along with that check for the first 5 years. of back pay from SSI. The lawyer got 30% of that.
Then I asked the lawyer what I should do about VA. He reminded me that I cannot have a lawyer to fight VA, but “as an ordinary citizen, I will suggest that you to take a copy of the ruling that the judge sends to you and take it to VA. –It’s the very same federal government, and he is a federal judge, and his ruling is based on medical testimony.” I did that, and VA agreed, and sent me the back-pay that VA owed me and increased my VA to 100%.
So, I never had to pay the lawyer a dime; the court split that first SSI check before either of us ever saw it. and sent him his part and sent me the rest. Since then, both Social Security and VA have me at 100%, and here in Texas, I do not pay property tax on my house, my DV car tags are $10 a year, and since Texas has no state income tax, I really only pay sales tax. –My VA and my SSI are both tax-free, and we have a VA clinic right here in town.
What part of Texas are you in? I’ve tried everything; VSO, VFW, nothing!!
You need to contact Dale Graham 1233 W. lindsey Norman Ok.at vet corner Phone 405 550 8806 it cost you nothing just a little time they have helped thousands of people get there benefits there very good at it
I agree. I was at 40% for around 20 years and fought for an increase the entire time. After contacting Hill and Ponton, I was at 100% P&T in about 1.5 years. Sure, they received 30% of back pay but I would have NEVER received any if not for them!
I am a 100% disabled vet who did 12 years 5 months and 3 days who is now found to have a serious heart condition, as my neurologist says “ you have bilateral neuropathy through out your body of unknown orgin. “. Even though I have had 3 back surgeries and have a 5 level mass fission. Only to be told my service doesn’t mean anything just my disability Get this shit done you piss ant politicians.
Got to remember that your condition MUST be caused by your time in the Military. That’s what they (VA) want you to prove
I was on active duty at the time on a submarine they sent me to great mistakes for 5 years on tdrl then was discharged end of story.
It’s always a fight with the VA. The last time I helped my husband get upgraded from 40 to 60 per cent. Then 6 months later they said they did not receive the medical paperwork from our doctors and the VA. They demoted it back to 59%. I refilled when I found this out on the website and sent more paperwork from his civilian doctor. Maybe they are working on it. Who knows? He has a hiatal hernia, Barrett’s esophogus, an ulcer, and the a larger hernia than he began with. And they dropped it from 20 to 10 per cent. Just on the above. It’s difficult an aggrevating to get better ratings after medical discharge, then they change it. Yes, I’m trying again. I won’t give up. I hope the new bill helps.
Use the Veteran Service Reps. VFW, DAV there are good ones out there. If you think they are BSing you your probably right. I went to a VA region HQs and have them do my paperwork and documentation needed. Had the decision back in 8 months which I’m very happy with. You shouldn’t have to pay to get your claim done. I turned down the medical retirement for regular. I was advised by a VSO at my retirement briefings.
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-4#subpart-B
I call this the VA Comp. BIBLE. This will give you ALL the information that the VA uses when rating a medical condition. I got this before I got out of the Marine Corps almost 20 years ago. When I got out I was rated at 80%, and after years of getting the VA to document my medical condition properly, I refilled and was able to get the rating from 80% to 100%. It is not an easy road but knowing what they look for helps you get the proper rating. I went one step farther with my VA Drs. I made them every year measure my range of motion for my injuries showing that A) it is not getting better and or B) the range is getting worse. I also had them notate my records what my job was in the military, what activities I participated in i.e. All Marine Softball, Bowling and Flag Football. And that I have not and can not do any of the things that I did in the Corps. When they review your package for rating they do not know you or what you have done. They ONLY LOOK at the FACT from your medical records. I don’t think they really looked at my letters from family or friends. I still submitted them every time for that added bonus of information. NEVER GIVE UP on your ratings. If you believe it should be higher the FIGHT for it, because its YOUR MONEY.
Sounds like you guys are on the ball. Who would I contact to help get this bill passed. What is the proper name for the bill?
YOU KNOW ITS FUNNY THEY CAN FIND MONEY FOR UKRAINE AND ISRAEL BUT THEY CANT FIND MONEY FOR VETERANS LETS GET OUT AND VOTE
I am a retired Navy veteran and am at 70% disabled. I applied for 100% disability which I was told to due through my military Doc, when I went for my evaluation the nurse never touched me, only asked a few questions and said I was improving and was dropped down to 10% disability.
After much fighting and Dr. Appts I was able to get back to 70%.
I am petrified to even try again for 100%, but i know i am as i have had 5 back surveys and still deal with pain daily and numbness in left leg, ringing in my ears from tears of jet noise, have loss of hearing now and bad knees which I get 70% for.
I will pray this bill passes for all vets!
I’m a Disabled Veteran,I Served 23 Years I got out with a Honorable Discharge
The USMC wanted to give me $66,000 dollars and a Med Discharge,I turned it Down. I’m no rated at 10% I’ve had (2) Surgery on my right shoulder and now I’ve lost my muscle Can’t get VA to respond along with my Chronic Pain and Fatigue,I have Seizures and just fall out Been trying for years to get better Ratings. Would this Bill Benefit me?
Can you send me a copy of your award letter so I can see exactly what is said. My buddy and I have helped over 152 veterans get there compensation. Let me see if I can help you at as well.. call me if needed 815 600 6364. I live in South Carolina.
Hi Jim: My spouse and I are 100% P&T. Mine way longer than hers. I was USAF and she was both Israeli Army, mnay years ago, and was U.S. Navy. Our circumstances are very odd indeed. Mine are worse. In so many ways, you just would not believe it, even though I have every piece of so-called printed evidence since medically retired. I kept a very good paper trail. Long story short on mine only. HIPAA records altered and deleted to cover certain doctors A^*es. Oh yes, Lions, Tigers and Bears. And, doing this to others there as well. Bottom Line: I have been barking like a dog maybe too long. Yes, I am technically biting the hand that feeds me. For a damn good reason too. Most of these people weren’t even born when we or many of you served our nation. Now, technically, she is 80% TDIU, yet being paid at the 100% level, considered P&T. Her background and story is totally amazing. We just moved here from Florida 2 years ago and got another VA Home loan in SC. I remember when they were doing the CRDP, but that was for veterans with at least 20 years, if I’m correct. Anyways, when we left Florida in February 2021, after selling our home, she had minor lung cancer. But, the Oncologist at the VA in Gainsville, FL, in March 2019, claimed her (3) small lung lesions were stage 4, then stage 1, then just lesions, back to stage 4. Needless to say, I like 2nd if not 3rd opinions. I wonder why? Our local Oncologist, (I say ours, because I came down with Hyperthyroidism…..Toxic Thyroid – Graves disease….hell of a name for the doctor who found it wayyyy before any of us were born), and he did (2) more Petscans on her up to November 2019….then said: screw the VA. However, they actually send him cancer patients, go figure. Very good man and Doctor. VA said she had only 4-6 months life span. Sad thing is we lost our daughter down there due to suicide on 9/11/1. I know, hell of a date, when she was living with an ex-police officer who also had TBI and could no longer work. And that’s a whole different story. Then, when we left Florida in February 2021, the last female Doctor I saw before leaving Florida, I asked if more Veterans were coming to see her still from the Lecanto VA clinic and such. She stated to me: Yes….As usual, most in tears. Just called her the other day too for my little piece of this screwed up puzzle. They’re still going to see her and their spouses are not happy at all what they’re doing to their husbands. My spouse momentarily had a 501(c) 3, and we were saving suicidal Veterans under our roof one at a time. One we helped got back his 100% from his 70% TDIU. Plus, I had a married older couple down there. He was an Ex-Major Doctor from the USAF, and moved his spouse and him twice. She left him, and he has a genetic hand crippling disease, plus diabetic, and lower right prosthetic leg. No service connection. He lived 3 miles from us. The home on that side of the HOA we lived in was totally disgusting. Loaded with roaches. They were selling the house from under him…..He had no where to go. Bluntly, he was just going to cut his femoral artery and bleed out before dialing 911. I was in tears. No, I didn’t have him so-called Baker Acted. That State is BS with that Act just to make money on those that have insurance. Those that don’t, yet really are suicidal…well, in less than 72 hours, they let them go…And, they can actually go buy a gun, go figure. FIRST thing, to rule out any MH issues is a blood draw for the thyroid. TSH & T3 & T4 levels. If they’re off the charts…that’s the problem….If not, than yes, most likely MH issues. He had no Thyroid issues, he was an Officer for God’s sake, and didn’t deserve that…if i have to use that stupid word….Deserve…..to be Baker Acted……Like our oncologist told us about people with thyroid issues and what they do to them. It’s a Physical Ailment. Mimics every known DSM 5 issue imaginable in many ways. Found him a beautiful place in less than 5 months before we sold. Why did I get out of there within (7) years? I kinda stated that above. I tried a $20 Million Dollar Tort Law….They claimed I was (10) days too late. I said: “No, I was 10 days early….you signed for it.” I didn’t want it so much for myself…not really…I wanted to help other vets for what they did to me plus other vets. Overall, at least I knew who my enemy was in South Korea…here…they’re in our own back yards. Pathetic….And, some of them are our own brothers. Sorry, this post is so long, but as I said. I might have ticked off certain people….Maybe? Maybe not…..God speed to the rest of you out there….Many of you Deserve it…I’m pretty sure of that.
My husband was medically retired from USMC in ‘68, he chose VA comp and later received CRSC also, he passed away in 2015 due to Agent Orange. I presently receive DIC but if this bill is passed would I receive anything. He did not have an annuity
I been filling for decades supposedly my case is in the higher court we will see what happens with my disability claims 🤔
My question is will I still be allowed to get CRSC if I currently get VA Disability and CRSC? 🤔
I did you receive CRSC.. All i have is a diaability at 50% I finished with 19 years 7 months,
I have been wondering, as a spouse who lived and worked for the Air Force in Thailand, could I receive compensation for a disease I have developed referred to as MGUS? I was living and working at Takli AFB.
I am hoping this finding is found. I was medically discharged after 14 years and receive CRSC. I am at 100% CRSC and 100% VA. However my CRSC was never increased past 50% pay due to this issue. I wonder if retro pay is going to fall into place ?
*funding is found
Actions matter. Words don’t. Do what is right for the disabled veterans now.
After all l/we have sacrificed, finding funding should not be a problem. Im medically retired after 19 years of service. I was initally put on TDRL but it was revoked a month later and given a medically separation. Then 15years later it was upgraded to medical retirement. My excitement quickly gave way to total disappointment after being told l would not receive VA & retirement pay.
I hope this bill passes. I was Medically Discharged from the Airforce because unfortunately I started having seizures. I still have uncontrolled seizures and I am on 3 medications. I have also had a number of seizures. The Disabled Veterans Association in Ohio will not give me more than 80% even though when I was discharged I was not allowed to drive or work anymore because of my uncontrolled seizures.
I agree with you wholeheartedly. I was medically discharged…unable to work and have a 70% rating but of able to work. Recently found out after years that I am the victim of poison water from Camp Lej. I never struggle so hard to live a descent lifestyle without all the stress. I calculated my income for the year and wasn’t surprised that I live at a level of poverty that no disabled veteran ought too….but we go into the hellish wars then once we return are treated as than deserving human beings who have family but no life. In my opinion no disabled veteran should be close to living dollar/cents from poverty….semper fi until the day I die. Do better by us than what you’re doing….it don’t take years to get it right.
It is not the DAV.
it has to do with your VA C&P evaluation and the VA’s rating system.
I hope and pray this bill is passes We veterans deserve it. We gave up our homes,our families, our communities to defend this country to keep her free from all enemies foreign and domestic And yet look
I do hope and pray this bill does pass. Unfortunately, my Army Vet husband passed away in 2021 before he could be rated. When the the military decided to have him come in to be evaluated, or however they do it, it was too late. He was in Hospice and unable to comprehend questions or speak. It broke my heart that he passed away with 0%. I was his advocate until the end.
Good luck to ALL Veterans 🙏💜
Sincerely
Army Wife
horoniable discard with medicail condistions