The Alabama Legislature could consider a measure urging Congress to help thousands of combat-injured veterans receive their full retirement pay and disability compensation.
In Alabama alone, nearly 1,500 veterans are not receiving their full retirement or disability compensation if they retired early. Under current federal law, their military payment is reduced dollar-for-dollar by their disability compensation. Congress must pass the Major Richard Star Act to ensure those who were forced to medically retire early get paid in full and still receive disability.
The Wounded Warrior Project is asking Alabama lawmakers to pass House Resolution 58 (HR58), urging Congress to pass the act.
"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 with the Wounded Warrior Project. “Loss of limbs, combat wounds, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury are just some of the sacrifices that forced these veterans into early retirement. 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 Alabama lawmakers for their leadership."
HR58 was introduced by State Rep. Patrice McClammy (D-Montgomery).
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