The House Just Passed the Major Richard Star Act 392-18... What Happens Next for Veterans

On Thursday, November 12, the House passed the Major Richard Star Act 392 to 18. If it becomes law, about 58,000 combat-injured veterans who were medically retired with fewer than 20 years of service would stop losing their military retirement pay dollar for dollar to their VA disability compensation, about $1,450 more a month on average, according to the Congressional Budget Office. But the House also passed a second bill a day earlier, the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, with its own version of the Star Act and a catch on sleep apnea and tinnitus ratings for future claims. In this video: - What passed, the vote, and the discharge petition that forced it - The "wounded veteran tax": who the bill covers and who it does not - The real money and when it would start (first month after it is signed) - The two-bill catch: Section 108, sleep apnea and tinnitus, and why the VFW and DAV oppose the package - The Senate race against the January 3 deadline: what is decided and what is not - What to do now: check your retirement orders, Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC), and how to reach your senators Decided: the House passed both bills. Not decided: whether the Senate passes either one, which version, and when. Nothing changes in any payment until a bill passes the Senate and is signed by the President. Sources (checked November 13, 2026): - House Veterans' Affairs Committee (Democrats), "House Passes Major Richard Star Act" (392-18, H.R. 2102, history): https://democrats-veterans.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-passes-major-richard-star-act-ending-the-wounded-veterans-tax - Military.com, Star Act passes House (CBO estimate, $1,450 average, effective date, Senate outlook, Jan 3): https://www.military.com/major-richard-star-act-passes-house-all-democrats-support-18-republicans-oppose - Military.com, House passes TCAVA by voice vote (H.R. 9237, Section 108): https://www.military.com/house-passes-sweeping-veterans-benefits-bill-despite-disability-pay-concerns - Stars and Stripes, House passes Major Richard Star Act: https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2026-11-12/house-passes-major-richard-star-act-23445570.html - AL.com via Yahoo News, the retirement-pay example and CBO figures: https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/bill-could-add-1-450-232237664.html - DAV statement on TCAVA (VA analysis: up to 1.5 million veterans, $57 billion over 10 years): https://www.dav.org/learn-more/news/2026/dav-condemns-house-leaders-for-pushing-through-unprecedented-veterans-benefit-cuts-during-lame-duck-session-without-a-recorded-vote/ - DFAS, concurrent retired pay and VA compensation (the 20-year and 50 percent rules): https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/disability/crdp/ - DFAS, Combat-Related Special Compensation (eligibility, back pay date, 800-321-1080): https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/disability/crsc/ - Bill pages: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2102 and https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1032 - U.S. Capitol switchboard: 202-224-3121 Free help: VA-accredited Veterans Service Officers help with VA claims at no cost. Never pay anyone who promises Star Act money: there is none to claim yet. The people in this video are illustrated examples, not real veterans. This video is general information, not legal or financial advice. Explained For Veterans is an independent channel and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency.