I am a medically retired U.S. Army combat veteran living in Chamois, Missouri. Like many others, I was forced out of service due to injuries sustained during my time in uniform.
Under current law, veterans like me lose a portion of the military retirement pay we earned because we also receive VA disability compensation. This policy is often called the “wounded veteran tax,” and that description is accurate.
As a medically retired combat veteran, I am directly affected by this policy.
Veterans who complete 20 years of service are allowed to receive both retirement and disability pay in full. Those of us who were injured and unable to complete a full career are treated differently, despite the circumstances being beyond our control.
More than 1,000 veterans in Missouri and over 50,000 nationwide are affected. Missouri has already introduced HCR 34, a resolution supporting the Major Richard Star Act.
I urge our state lawmakers to support HCR 34 and send a clear message to Congress that this unfair policy must end.
Thank you for your consideration.
Nicholas Keilholz
Chamois, Missouri
