Wounded Warrior Project Applauds Legislation to Remove Unfair Tax on Wounded Veterans
WASHINGTON, March 18, 2025 -- Today, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) thanked Congress for introducing critical legislation, the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102 and S. 1032), which will allow wounded veterans to keep the full military benefits they have earned through their service and sacrifice.
Currently, veterans who were forced to medically retire before 20 years of service due to combat or combat-related injuries do not receive their full military retirement pay from the Department of Defense and their full disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Their retirement pay is decreased – dollar for dollar – by the amount of their disability compensation, resulting in some veterans receiving no retirement benefits.
Recognizing that military retired pay and VA disability compensation are distinct benefits established by Congress for different purposes, the Major Richard Star Act would eliminate the offset – essentially, a "wounded veteran tax."
"There are more than 54,000 wounded veterans who are being denied hundreds – and in some cases – thousands of dollars a month in earned benefits because of one thing: an injury they suffered in combat serving our country," said Jose Ramos, vice president of government and community relations for Wounded Warrior Project. "Loss of limbs, combat wounds, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and traumatic brain injury – these are just some of the sacrifices these veterans made during service which forced them to retire. Yet, current law requires that they suffer again – this time, financially – because of those same injuries. The Major Richard Star Act would correct this injustice, and we thank Sens. Scott (R-FL), Crapo (R-ID), Blumenthal (D-CT), and Warren (D-MA), along with Reps. Bilirakis (R-FL-12) and Ruiz (D-CA-25) in the House, for their leadership in introducing this important legislation."
The Major Richard Star Act received immense support in the last Congress, with 326 cosponsors in the House and 74 cosponsors in the Senate. However, even though it was one of the most supported pieces of legislation, the bill was not considered for a vote.
"We continue to hear that cost is an issue for passing the Major Richard Star Act," said Ramos. "But for those living with combat-related disabilities, that is the cost paid for protecting our way of life. Through this bill, we have an incredible opportunity to help wounded veterans and ensure our country keeps the promise we make to those who served and sacrificed for us."
The bill already has 44 cosponsors in the Senate and 185 cosponsors in the House.
Veterans affected by the bill and subject matter experts who can discuss the details of the legislation are available for interviews.
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.
SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project