MOAA’s work to end an unjust pay offset faced by tens of thousands of combat-injured veterans continued April 2, with the association signing onto a letter alongside 52 fellow military and veterans service organizations – including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, and the Wounded Warrior Project – to every member of the 119th Congress seeking their support for the Major Richard Star Act.

The coalition explained the legislation’s importance and requested its inclusion in the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) or passage as a standalone bill. This outreach is critical to maintain positive momentum and build upon the strong foundation of support secured in prior years.

Approximately 51,000 veterans are subject to a decrement in which DoD-issued retirement pay is reduced for every dollar of VA disability received. However, as articulated in the letter, “These two benefits, established by Congress for entirely different reasons, are nonetheless subject to a statutory offset. To reduce earned retirement pay because of a combat disability is an injustice and not the place to achieve savings.”

Less than a month since its reintroduction in both chambers, the legislation has reestablished growing and bipartisan support from across the political spectrum. As of April 8, the bill counted 236 members of the House of Representatives and 55 senators among its sponsors.