Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) is a tax-free benefit paid in addition to your military retirement pay. It’s designed to comply with federal law that requires veterans receiving both military retirement and VA disability compensation waive part of their retirement pay.
CRSC applications can be submitted at any time. Submission criteria, documentation requirements and proof of eligibility may vary by branch of service.
How CRSC Works
CRSC, or Combat Related Special Compensation, is a variation of what is known as concurrent receipt. Prior to CRSC, veterans could not receive both their military retirement pay and disability benefits from the VA. Instead, their military retirement pay was reduced by the amount of the monthly VA disability payment.
Those who qualify for CRSC are reimbursed that offset each month. This means they get three checks a month: their military retirement check (with the VA waiver taken out), their VA disability check and their CRSC reimbursement check.
Eligible retirees must apply through their military branch of service for CRSC. Each service has its own web page that provides eligibility criteria, detailed instructions and hints on how to prepare a complete package. The Army site also has the mailing address for each service branch. Unlike CRDP, CRSC does not include Individual Unemployability (IU) in its calculation of total combat-related disability percentage.
CRSC Eligibility
In order to receive CRSC you must meet a few basic requirements. First, you must have a disability that is at least 10%. Second, the disability must be directly attributable to armed conflict. This includes injuries resulting from direct participation in a combat zone, hazardous service, conditions simulating war (such as training), or through instrumentalities of war, such as Agent Orange or weapons.
Third, you must be retired from military service. This can be a regular medical retirement, a disability-only retirement, a 20-year retiree, or an early retiree under Temporary Early Retirement authority. In addition, you must have your DoD retired pay reduced by the amount of your VA disability payment.
To apply for CRSC, submit an application DD Form 2860 with your branch of service. Each branch has its own website for making a CRSC application and has hints for preparing an effective package of support documentation. If you need help with your CRSC application, consider consulting a Veterans Service Officer.
CRSC Rates
CRSC is non-taxable compensation paid to retired veterans with a combat-related disability. The payments are designed to make up the amount of retirement pay that is offset by VA disability compensation. Veterans must apply for CRSC through their branch of service and, if approved, can choose to waive part or all of their retirement payment in favor of CRSC. The process is not automatic, and it can take up to six months for DFAS to approve an application. It is important to keep track of your CRSC payments to ensure that you are receiving the correct amount. For more information, visit this DFAS page.
CRSC Calculator
If you have service-connected disabilities that are not combat-related, you might be eligible for CRSC. This program reimburses all or some of the VA waiver that is subtracted from your DoD retired pay. When you elect CRSC, you begin receiving three checks each month: your service retired pay (with the VA waiver taken out), your CRSC check and your VA disability compensation.
Unlike the taxable Concurrent Retirement Disability Payment (CRDP) that is automatically given to veterans, CRSC requires you to apply through your branch of service and meet certain eligibility requirements. CRSC is not automatically granted, and the application process can be quite lengthy and complex. If you’re unsure of how to proceed, contact us at The Rep For Vets and let our military benefits experts guide you through the CRSC process. We’ve helped thousands of veterans just like you. Call today. The sooner we get started, the more quickly you’ll receive your CRSC benefits.
