Urging the United States Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stan Adkins and 15 co-sponsors

West Virginia urges Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act to allow medically retired veterans to receive full DOD retirement pay and VA disability compensation concurrently,

To House Rules

#resolutions

Summary of Bill: HCR 30 (West Virginia, 2026)

Purpose and Intent

HCR 30 is a House Concurrent Resolution urging the United States Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102, S. 1032).

The resolution requests federal action to ensure that veterans with disabilities receive their full Department of Defense (DOD) retirement pay and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation without an offset.

It emphasizes the goal of correcting a longstanding financial inequity faced by certain medically retired veterans.

Key Provisions and Changes Advocated

The resolution does not itself change federal law; rather, it urges Congress to enact the Major Richard Star Act.

The Major Richard Star Act would amend federal law to:

Expand eligibility for concurrent receipt, allowing eligible veterans to receive both full DOD retirement pay and VA disability compensation simultaneously.
Remove the current dollar-for-dollar offset that reduces DOD retirement pay by the amount of VA disability compensation for veterans who were medically retired with fewer than 20 years of service.

By supporting this act, the resolution seeks to ensure veterans receive the full benefits earned from both retirement pay and disability compensation, recognizing them as compensations for distinct service-related burdens.

Who Would be Affected

Medically retired veterans with disabilities who currently experience the offset between DOD retirement pay and VA disability compensation.

Approximately 50,000 veterans nationwide are cited as affected by the current offset, with West Virginia hosting thousands of veterans who would benefit from concurrent receipt reform.

The beneficiaries would include veterans who are medically retired with less than 20 years of service and whose combined benefits would be increased if the offset were removed.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Introduced March 5, 2026; referred to the House Rules Committee in the West Virginia Legislature.

Nature of action: A concurrent resolution directed to federal lawmakers, urging action rather than imposing immediate state-level policy changes.

Formal directive: If adopted, the resolution directs the Clerk of the West Virginia House to transmit copies of the resolution to the President, Vice President, Speaker of the U.S. House, Senate Majority Leader, and each West Virginia member of Congress.

Additional Context

The resolution notes bipartisan support for the Major Richard Star Act in Congress and endorsements from veterans’ organizations.

It frames the issue as one of fairness and recognition of two distinct forms of service-related compensation: retirement pay (DOD) and disability compensation (VA).

Practical Implications if Adopted

Signals West Virginia’s formal endorsement of federal legislation to allow concurrent receipt, potentially influencing public opinion and congressional action.

If the Major Richard Star Act passes Congress and is signed into law, eligible veterans would receive full concurrent benefits, reducing financial hardship from the current offset.

The state resolution does not create new costs or programs at the state level; it functions as a political and ethical call for federal reform.