As communities across Hampton Roads honor service members, Virginia veteran Douglass Hoffman is focusing on a critical vote in Washington. Hoffman, a member of the VFW National Virginia Council, is urging Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine to reject the broader Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA) and instead pass the Major Richard Star Act as a stand‑alone measure.
Why the Major Richard Star Act matters
The Major Richard Star Act is designed to ensure that combat‑injured veterans who are medically retired can receive their full military retirement pay in addition to VA disability compensation. “We believe that a veteran who has been medically retired should receive both their retirement and their VA disability. It shouldn’t be offset,” Hoffman said.
Concerns about the larger veterans package
TCAVA bundles more than 60 veterans‑related proposals, ranging from health‑care improvements to caregiver support. While the package has bipartisan backing, Hoffman objects to several provisions, especially Section 108, which would alter how future VA disability claims for tinnitus and sleep apnea are rated. He warned that the change would effectively make future veterans pay for benefits already being provided to today’s veterans.
“Section 108 is asking for a pay for which is making future veterans pay for the benefits of veterans today, which is just wrong,” he explained.
Call to action for Virginians
Hoffman is mobilizing Virginians to contact their U.S. senators before the Senate votes on TCAVA. “I ask each person in the Commonwealth of Virginia to reach out to Senator Warner and Senator Kaine and tell them to vote no on TCAVA when it hits the Senate floor,” he urged.
He emphasizes that the goal is not to diminish veterans’ benefits overall, but to protect the integrity of the Major Richard Star Act and keep it separate from provisions he believes could harm future claimants.
Legislative timeline
The House passed TCAVA on Veterans Day, and the measure now moves to the Senate for consideration. If approved, it would be sent to President Trump for signature.
Hoffman’s advocacy reflects a broader conversation among veterans about how best to structure benefits. While many support a comprehensive package, others, like Hoffman, argue that certain reforms should stand on their own to avoid unintended consequences.
What’s at stake for Virginia veterans
Virginia is home to a large veteran population, and the outcome of these votes will directly affect service members and their families across the Commonwealth. By supporting the Major Richard Star Act, veterans like Hoffman hope to secure a clear, focused benefit for those who have sacrificed their health in combat.
For more information on how to contact Senators Warner and Kaine, visit their official Senate websites or call their Virginia constituent offices.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
