South Dakota VFW pushes Congress to stop cutting combat vets' retirement pay
The state chapter wants a standalone bill that lets about 59,000 medically retired service members keep full military pay and VA disability benefits.
By Fatima Saleh ·
In Rapid City, South Dakota, the Veterans of Foreign Wars is pressing federal lawmakers to fix a pay conflict that hits veterans who were injured in combat.
The organization is asking Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act. This bill would stop the military from deducting VA disability compensation from a veteran's retirement pay. Currently, some service members who medically retired due to combat injuries see their military pay reduced when they collect VA benefits. The new law would remove that offset for eligible veterans, including those with less than 20 years of service.
Rick Vandenhoek, the state commander for the VFW of South Dakota, explained the financial impact on families. He estimated that roughly 59,000 medically retired combat veterans would benefit from the change. Vandenhoek said the act would allow these individuals to receive their medical retirement from the military and their VA benefits at the same time. He noted that many families struggle with daily costs like housing and food because of the current offset.
Vandenhoek recently traveled to Washington, D.C., with another representative from the South Dakota VFW. The two met with 12 Senate and House offices, including those representing South Dakota. During these visits, they urged support for a standalone version of the Major Richard Star Act.
The VFW is also asking lawmakers to vote against the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. This separate bill includes a version of the retirement pay provision, but the VFW opposes it because it contains other clauses. Vandenhoek said the broader bill would reduce disability compensation for some future veterans. He also pointed out that the version of the Star Act inside the larger bill places limits on eligibility and benefits.
Vandenhoek said his group’s goal is to ensure veterans are supported across all time periods. He encouraged veterans and their supporters to contact their senators and representatives. Those with specific questions about their benefits are advised to reach out to a veterans service officer or a local VFW post.
The next step involves continued outreach to congressional offices to secure a vote on the standalone legislation before the end of the session.
