Pulaski Times

U.S. Senator John Boozman, along with Senators Mike Crapo, Richard Blumenthal, and 40 others, has reintroduced the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act. This legislation aims to provide combat-injured veterans, who have served less than 20 years, with full retirement benefits alongside disability compensation.

At present, only veterans with over 20 years of service and a disability rating of 50 percent or more qualify to receive concurrent payments from both the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Senator Boozman emphasized, "Veterans medically retired by injuries sustained in combat are heroes who have earned their full benefits and compensation. Their service and sacrifice unite us."

Senator Crapo added, "The Major Richard Star Act corrects a severe injustice for combat-wounded veterans. Though the namesake of our legislation is no longer with us, I continue to press for its passage." Senator Blumenthal stated, "This measure corrects one of the deepest injustices in our present veterans’ disability system."

The bill is named after Major Richard Star, a decorated veteran who retired due to combat-related injuries and passed away in 2021. Several senators, including Elizabeth Warren, Rick Scott, and Michael Bennet, have co-sponsored the legislation. In the House of Representatives, Congressman Gus Bilirakis has introduced companion legislation.

Full text of the legislation is available for public access.