Rep. Van Epps Celebrates the House Passage of the Major Richard Star Act 

Rep. Van Epps Celebrates the House Passage of the Major Richard Star Act 

Washington, D.C.—Rep. Matt Van Epps (TN-07) celebrated the House passage of the Major Richard Star Act, legislation he proudly cosponsored.

“As a servicemember myself, I have seen firsthand the difficulties faced by veterans in my circle who are unable to receive their full retirement pay due to a medical retirement. That’s why I am proud to support this legislation alongside my colleagues,” said Congressman Matt Van Epps. “From the servicemembers stationed at Fort Campbell to the veterans throughout TN-07, I want to ensure our brave warriors are getting the benefits they are owed.”

“No warrior who risked his or her life for this country should be forced to pay a ‘wounded veteran tax.’ It is unconscionable that veterans are financially penalized for injuries or illnesses sustained while honorably serving our nation. Combat-injured veterans deserve the respect and support they were promised,” Rep. Van Epps finished. 

Read the Major Richard Star Act here.

Read more about Major Richard Star here.

Background

This legislation would allow veterans medically retired under Chapter 61 with combat-related disabilities to receive both their military retirement pay and VA disability compensation, regardless of years of service.  Under current law, retirees with at least 20 years of service and a VA disability rating of 50 percent or higher may receive concurrent receipt through the Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) program. However, many medically retired combat-injured veterans with fewer than 20 years of service still face a dollar-for-dollar reduction in retired pay due to their receipt of VA disability compensation.

As a voice for veterans and military families, Rep. Van Epps has:

• Introduced the HONOR Gold Star Families Act. Learn more here and here. 
• Voted for MILCON-VA here.
• Introduced the Guard Equal Benefits for Federal Missions Act here. 
• Honored the Tennessee National Guard on the House Floor here. 
• Visited the Nashville VA office here.
• Met with Gold Star Wives here. 
• Applauded the VA’s investment in rural transportation here.
• Heard from veterans at the Hickman County Veterans Lunch here.   
• Recognized the Night Stalkers on the House Floor here. 
• Supported the Trump administration's push for full benefits for National Guard Troops here. 
• Agreed with the VA about stopping the new rule, which lowered disability ratings here. 
• Attended American Legion Post meeting in Clarksville here. 
• Supported the award upgrade of seven Marines here.
• Spoke at and walked in the Montgomery County Veterans Day Parade here and here. 

Read Rep. Van Epps’ Veterans Day press release here, his op-ed here, and listen to his speech at the Montgomery County Veterans Day Parade here.