House Passes Major Richard Star Act 392-18

The bipartisan bill would let medically retired combat veterans with fewer than 20 years of service collect full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Military

House Passes Major Richard Star Act 392-18

Live Poll

Should Congress expand retirement benefits for combat-injured veterans?

The U.S. House passed the Major Richard Star Act 392-18 on Thursday, November 12, 2026, in a bipartisan vote. The bill was led by Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-CA).

Why it matters

The bill could restore retirement benefits for thousands of combat-injured veterans who currently face a choice between retirement pay and disability compensation. Its passage in the House marks a step toward changing how those benefits are paid.

The House vote was 392-18, with bipartisan support led by Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-CA). The bill targets medically retired combat veterans with fewer than 20 years of service, and whether it advances beyond the House has not been determined.

The players

Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-CA)

Ruiz is a Democratic U.S. representative from California who led the bill in the House.

Matthew Shuman

Shuman is the incoming national commander of the American Legion and is scheduled to become its youngest national commander for the 2027-2028 term.

American Legion

The American Legion is a national veterans' service organization whose Owen Coffman Post 519 is hosting Shuman's visit.

The details

The bill would allow medically retired combat veterans with fewer than 20 years of service to collect full military retirement pay alongside VA disability compensation. American Legion incoming national commander Matthew Shuman is visiting Palm Springs, California, as the bill moves forward.

Thursday, November 12, 2026: House passes the Major Richard Star Act 392-18.
November 13, 2026, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Shuman attends a fundraising event at Piazza de Liberace.
November 13, 2026, 3 to 4 p.m.: Shuman holds a town hall at American Legion Owen Coffman Post 519.
2027-2028 term: Matthew Shuman is set to become the youngest National Commander of the American Legion.

Legislative Context

The bill targets the long-standing rule that limits combat-injured retirees from receiving both military retirement pay and VA disability compensation in full. Its House passage moves a change to that rule forward for veterans with fewer than 20 years of service.

If enacted, the bill would let eligible medically retired combat veterans receive full military retirement pay alongside VA disability compensation rather than having one offset the other. Veterans with fewer than 20 years of service are the group the bill targets.

The takeaway

Veterans who are medically retired from combat may see their combined benefits change if this bill becomes law, so tracking its progress in the Senate is worthwhile. Check with a veterans' service organization for how any future change would apply to your own case.