Recent efforts in the U.S. Senate to move forward with the Major Richard Star Act were blocked, preventing the legislation from receiving a floor vote.

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut sought unanimous consent to advance the legislation. The request was objected to by Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, stopping the bill from moving forward.

Following that objection, Senator Blumenthal offered a second proposal that would have allowed the Senate to hold a single roll call vote on the legislation at a 60-vote threshold. The proposal would have waived additional procedural steps and allowed Senate leadership to schedule the vote before August. That request was also blocked, leaving the legislation without a vote despite broad bipartisan support.

The Major Richard Star Act addresses a long-standing issue affecting medically retired combat-injured Service Members. Under current law, many Veterans who are forced to medically retire due to combat-related injuries and have fewer than 20 years of service experience a dollar-for-dollar reduction between their Department of Defense retirement pay and Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation.

The legislation would allow eligible combat-injured Veterans to receive both their full military retirement pay and their VA disability compensation.

The bill currently has significant bipartisan backing in Congress, with 77 cosponsors in the Senate and more than 300 in the House of Representatives.

Veterans Service Organizations have consistently identified the Major Richard Star Act as a top legislative priority. In recent weeks, Veterans from across the country traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers and participate in joint hearings held by the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees, where the legislation was discussed.

The legislation is named in honor of Major Richard A. Star, a decorated combat Veteran who was medically retired due to service-connected injuries. After leaving the military, Major Star worked to bring attention to the concurrent receipt issue affecting medically retired combat-injured Veterans until his passing in 2021.

The Non Commissioned Officers Association continues to support legislative efforts addressing the concurrent receipt policy affecting medically retired combat-injured Veterans.

​The legislation is named in honor of Major Richard A. Star, a decorated combat Veteran who was medically retired due to service-connected injuries. After leaving the military, Major Star worked to bring attention to the concurrent receipt issue affecting medically retired combat-injured Veterans until his passing in 2021.
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The Non Commissioned Officers Association continues to support legislative efforts addressing the concurrent receipt policy affecting medically retired combat-injured Veterans. Readers who would like additional context on the recent Senate action can review the full statement released by the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

​Veterans, Service Members, and supporters who want to take a more active role in advocacy are encouraged to get involved with the Non Commissioned Officers Association. Volunteers play an important role in strengthening the voice of the military community through legislative engagement, local chapter participation, and outreach efforts that support Service Members, Veterans, and their families.

The Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) has formally submitted a Statement for the Record to Congressional leadership expressing strong opposition to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Interim Final Rule titled “Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication” (RIN 2900-AS49).

The rule, issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs, allows disability evaluations to consider the effects of medication when determining compensation levels for service-connected conditions.

NCOA believes this approach is fundamentally flawed and inconsistent with the purpose of disability compensation.

What the Rule Does

The Interim Final Rule permits disability ratings to reflect symptom suppression achieved through medication rather than the underlying service-connected injury or trauma.

In practical terms, this means a Veteran whose symptoms are partially managed through medication could potentially receive a lower disability rating than one who is untreated, even though the underlying injury remains unchanged.

NCOA maintains that medication manages symptoms. It does not erase the injury, reverse neurological damage, repair joints, or undo psychological trauma sustained in service.

Our Position

Veterans enter service whole.

Any lasting physical or psychological degradation at separation is service-connected loss. Disability compensation exists to recognize and offset that loss.

Medication is introduced after injury. It does not restore a Veteran to pre-service condition. Treating medication use as evidence of reduced disability conflates management with recovery.

Disability compensation must reflect the injury itself, not how effectively symptoms are masked.

Why This Rule Raises Serious Concerns

NCOA’s formal submission outlines several critical concerns:

1. It Penalizes Treatment Compliance
Veterans should never feel pressure to avoid medication out of fear that symptom improvement could reduce compensation.

2. It Misrepresents Disability
Service-connected disability reflects long-term injury and functional impact, not temporary symptom presentation.

3. It Undermines Trust
The VA system is intended to be non-adversarial and Veteran-centric. Policies that appear to reduce compensation based on treatment erode confidence in that system.

4. It Bypasses Proper Rulemaking Process

Under the Administrative Procedure Act, Interim Final Rules may bypass traditional notice-and-comment procedures only under narrow circumstances. NCOA has raised concerns that those standards were not met.

The Association has urged Congress to exercise oversight authority and call for full rescission of the rule pending proper notice-and-comment rulemaking.

NCOA is submitting its position to leadership of both the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees and will participate in the upcoming Joint House and Senate Veterans Service Organization Hearing.

We are also working alongside fellow Veterans Service Organizations to host a comprehensive disability compensation reform conference in mid-March. That effort will focus on transparent, evidence-driven recommendations that:

• Engage Veterans, clinicians, adjudicators, and policymakers
  
  
• Prioritize trust and predictability
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• Ensure reforms improve Veteran outcomes rather than primarily reduce expenditures

The Interim Final Rule is currently on the public record.

Veterans and stakeholders can review the rule and submit public comments through the Federal Register while the comment period remains open.

Access the rule here:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/17/2026-03068/evaluative-rating-impact-of-medication

NCOs have always been leaders in accountability and standards. Those same qualities matter in civic life.

Silence leaves decisions to others.

Participation ensures perspectives are heard.

NCOA remains committed to working constructively with Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that disability compensation policy honors the full cost borne by those who served.

Greetings Team!

As we continue to ask what you are doing for the Association, I thought I would give a snapshot of some of what we have going on.

Legislative Update - Top 5 Priorities: Major Richard Star Act; Mental Health and Suicide Prevention; NOPAIN for Veterans Act; Love Lives Act; Veterans Toxic Exposure. Visit ncoausa.org/news/2026-legislative-priorities

New Partners: Corporate Gray; Check-A- VET; Military Air; PUPTQUE (Pending); Spouse-Ly
(Pending); 1-800 FLOWERS (Pending).

Updating how we market our NCOA War Medallion Program (We will keep you updated).

We are the host for the 2027 VDNC Reception (We will be asking for Volunteers for a Committee
soon) More to follow.

We are seeking ways to attract Active-Duty Service Members and retain our current members. On this note, I am asking you all to get involved with your Chapter and or Community activities near you. (We welcome your ideas).

*** For those that are unsure about joining as a Premium Member, ask them to join as an ADVOCATE. It’s free! Visit votervoice.net/NCOA/Register

Links to visit below:
NCOA War Medallion Program: simplebooklet.com/ncoamedallionprogram (Review and Share).

NCOA Annual Conference: ncoausa.org/conference (Open to all members and non-members)

Enter the Fightcamp Raffle: zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/fight-camp-raffle--2026 (Open to all members and non-members)

What are the benefits of joining the NCOA: ncoausa.org/faq Review for self and share with those that are not members.

How can you support the NCOA: zeffy.com/donation-form/one-dollar-can-make-a-difference (Open to all members and non-members)

Levi Sadr, NCOA Director of Government Affairs, met with Gus Bilirakis to discuss the importance of the Major Richard Star Act and concurrent receipt legislation.
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To our combat disabled Veterans and supporters of the Richard Star Act, please know this work continues every day. NCOA remains committed to fighting for the full benefits you earned through your service. We appreciate Congressman Bilirakis for standing with our community and continuing to champion this critical legislation.

The Non Commissioned Officers Association remains focused on advocating for policies that protect the rights, benefits, and well being of enlisted Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. Our legislative priorities are guided by the real needs of those who have served and continue to serve. These priorities shape our advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and through our work with The Military Coalition.

Richard Star Act
The Richard Star Act would allow medically retired, combat disabled Veterans with fewer than 20 years of service to receive both full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation. These benefits were earned through service and sacrifice and should not be reduced or offset.

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
NCOA continues to advocate for expanded access to mental health care, improved support systems, and policies that address suicide within the Military and Veteran community. Mental health must remain a national priority.

Love Lives On Act
This legislation would remove the remarriage penalty for surviving spouses, allowing them to remarry without losing survivor benefits earned through their loved one’s service.

NOPAIN for Veterans Act
The NOPAIN for Veterans Act supports expanded access to non opioid pain management treatments within the VA healthcare system, giving Veterans more options for safe and effective care.

Veteran Toxic Exposure
NCOA supports continued accountability and oversight related to toxic exposure, ensuring Veterans receive timely health care, recognition, and benefits for service connected illnesses.
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These priorities represent our commitment to protecting those who have served and ensuring their voices are heard. Stay engaged with NCOA advocacy efforts by maintaining your membership and responding to legislative action alerts.

NCOA is seeking volunteers to represent our Association on the Personnel Committee within The Military Coalition (TMC). TMC is a group of 35 Military, Veteran, and Uniformed Services Organizations working together to protect benefits and support the well being of those who serve, have served, and their Families.

Being part of The Military Coalition strengthens NCOA’s ability to advocate for enlisted Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. Through coordinated advocacy and unified legislative priorities, TMC helps amplify the voices of more than 5.5 million members and their Families nationwide.

At this time, NCOA is seeking one or two volunteers, including at least one Family Member if possible, to serve on the Personnel Committee. Volunteers will participate in discussions and review legislative issues related to Military pay, benefits, readiness, and quality of life.

As NCOA looks ahead, increasing member involvement in legislative advocacy is a top priority. Serving on the Personnel Committee is a meaningful way to directly support that effort.

About The Military Coalition Committees:
​The Military Coalition operates several standing committees that meet regularly to review legislation and coordinate advocacy efforts. While NCOA is currently seeking volunteers only for the Personnel Committee, members may find it helpful to be aware of the full committee structure.
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• Guard and Reserve Committee
• Health Care Committee
• Personnel Committee
• Retired Affairs Committee
• Survivor Committee
• Taxes and Social Security Committee
• Veterans Committee

Members interested in volunteering for the Personnel Committee should email [email protected] and include “TMC Personnel Committee Volunteer” in the subject line.

Two members of the Air Academy Chapter shared write ups on their experience supporting TAPS Advocacy Week on Capitol Hill. Their voices shed light on the realities that surviving Families carry every day and remind us that advocacy does not end when the event concludes.

Ashley Gardner, USAF Reserve Veteran from Colorado Springs, wrote about joining survivors and fellow advocates for two full days of meetings across the House and Senate. She shared how listening to the stories of surviving spouses changed the way she views legislative work and how meaningful it was to support survivors as they spoke about the challenges they face. Ashley also highlighted Service Members who traveled with the chapter and left inspired to continue advocating for others.

MSG Johnson, Active Duty Service Member and new member of the Air Academy Chapter, wrote about the responsibility he felt walking alongside surviving spouses and speaking on behalf of Families who no longer have a voice. He shared that the experience was deeply personal and reinforced that caring for surviving Families is a responsibility that continues long after leaving the uniformed ranks.

Ashley and MSG Johnson’s accounts reflect an important truth. TAPS Advocacy Week may take place once a year, but survivors live with their loss every day. Their needs do not wait for the next event, and their stories must continue to be shared. NCOA is proud of the Air Academy Chapter for showing up, listening, and carrying this work forward with compassion and purpose.

If you are interested in volunteering with the NCOA Legislative Resolution Team and helping shape the future for enlisted Service Members, Veterans, and their Families, join the team that stands up for those who serve. Whether you are Active Duty, Retired, or a Veteran, your voice can influence real policy on pay, benefits, and accountability.

Send an email to [email protected] and add “Legislative Resolution Team Volunteer” in the subject line.

As the government shutdown continues into its second month, the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) stands with The Military Coalition and other Veterans Service Organizations in support of the Pay Our Troops Act, a bill designed to ensure that Service Members continue to receive pay during any lapse in government funding.

Temporary measures have allowed the Pentagon to issue pay during this shutdown, but there is still no permanent safeguard for future funding gaps. The Pay Our Troops Act would change that by guaranteeing that military personnel and their families are never left in financial uncertainty because of political gridlock.

The ongoing shutdown has had wide-reaching effects across the military community. Many families are struggling to make ends meet, and essential quality-of-life programs such as mental health, behavioral health, and family support services have been disrupted or delayed. Veterans’ programs including cemetery maintenance, transition assistance, and suicide prevention efforts have also been affected.

NCOA believes those who defend our nation should never have to question whether their next paycheck will arrive. We are calling on Congress to pass the Pay Our Troops Act and end the shutdown.

Resources for Service Members and Veterans Affected by the Shutdown

Military Aid and Family Assistance
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Army Emergency Relief
Air Force Aid Society
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
Military OneSource
Armed Services YMCA
United Service Organizations (USO)

Financial Services Offering Assistance
Navy Federal Credit Union
USAA
Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund
PenFed Credit Union
United States Senate Federal Credit Union

​Department Contingency Plans
Department of Veterans Affairs
Department of Defense
Department of Homeland Security
Department of Health and Human Services

Now more than ever, it is time for our leaders to act decisively and protect those who protect us.

The federal budget deadline passed without an agreement, and the government has officially shut down. While lawmakers continue to debate funding, this lapse is already creating uncertainty for Service Members, Retirees, Veterans, and their families.

At NCOA, we are closely monitoring the situation and pressing lawmakers to protect military pay and benefits. Here’s a look at what this shutdown means for our community.

Currently Serving and Families
Active duty personnel will still report for duty, but unless Congress acts, paychecks will stop after October 1. That means October 15 paychecks are at risk until funding is restored.

Routine and elective medical procedures at military facilities could be delayed or canceled, though TRICARE and TRICARE For Life coverage in the private sector will remain available. Pharmacies, commissaries, exchanges, gyms, and child care centers considered essential to readiness will generally stay open, but some facilities may adjust hours or reduce services if civilian staff are furloughed.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves and temporary duty travel may be delayed unless they are mission-essential. National Guard and Reserve drill weekends could also be canceled, though mobilized members will continue to report.

Military schools will remain open, but extracurricular activities may be canceled if they rely on federal funding. Training led by civilian instructors could be delayed, while contractor-led training may continue if it was funded before the shutdown.

Retirees and Survivors
Retiree pay and Survivor Benefit Plan payments will continue during the shutdown. TRICARE and TRICARE For Life coverage will not be interrupted, and commissaries and exchanges will remain open.

Retirees receiving care at military treatment facilities could see cancellations or delays for non-urgent appointments and elective procedures. Pharmacies will remain open, but with the possibility of reduced hours.

Veterans and the VA
VA hospitals and clinics will remain open, and health care services will continue. VA disability, housing, and education benefits will also keep being paid.

Regional VA offices will close, and programs such as transition assistance, career counseling, and pre-need burial applications will be suspended. Burials will continue at VA cemeteries, but headstone placement and grounds maintenance could face delays.

The VA crisis line (988, press 1) and the main MyVA411 call center will remain operational, along with the VA benefits hotline (1-800-827-1000).

Financial Support During the Shutdown
​Several financial institutions serving the military community, including USAA, are expected to offer zero-interest loans and other relief programs.

Military aid societies are also stepping in. Army Emergency Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid Society, and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance all provide interest-free loans and grants to help during times of financial strain. The American Red Cross Hero Care app can connect families directly with these resources.

Looking Ahead
NCOA will continue to advocate on Capitol Hill for funding that protects Service Members and Veterans from financial hardship. This shutdown is a reminder of why we need a strong voice representing enlisted personnel and their families.

If you are impacted, reach out to your financial institution or a relief agency for help. And please stay connected with NCOA for updates as the situation develops.

​Need help?
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