5 things to know in veterans news: Ending dog experiments, passing Major Richard Star Act, affordable housing for disabled veterans

Campaign to end animal experiments, a push to pass the Major Richard Star Act, housing challenges persist for disabled veterans. Nearly three in 10 veterans with disabilities spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs, compared to two in 10 veterans without disabilities, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. A village of low-cost tiny homes exclusively for income-eligible veterans is shown in this 2025 photo. (Veterans Community Project) WASHINGTON — The nonprofit Disabled American Veterans is urging lawmakers to pass the Major Richard Star Act when Congress reconvenes in November. DAV National Commander John Donovan sent a message to members this week stating that the organization supports the standalone passage of the Major Richard Star Act.

The legislation would enable medically retired, combat-injured veterans with fewer than 20 years of service to receive their full military pensions plus their full VA disability compensation without a dollar-for-dollar offset, as required under current law. DAV is asking members to contact their representatives in Congress and ask them to adopt the bill. But DAV said it will continue to oppose the Republican-led Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, which contains the Major Richard Star Act, along with more than 60 other veterans bills. DAV objects to a proposed reduction in disability compensation for tinnitus and sleep apnea to fund