I don’t want to leave money on the table, help me file my CRSC application!
Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) is a third pot of money separate from military medical disability retirement/military reserve or regular retirement and VA disability compensation. To be eligible you must be entitled to military retirement pay, except under 10 USC 12731b (Early Retirement for Reserve Component members), and have a combat related disability. A combat related disability is: (1) due to an injury for which you were awarded a purple heart; or (2) incurred-(a) as a direct result of armed conflict; (b) while engaged in hazardous service; (c) in the performance of duty under conditions simulating war; or (d) through an instrumentality of war. You may not simultaneously receive Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) and CRSC
There is no timeline on when you can apply for CRSC. However, to ensure your full entitlement to back-pay effective as of your retirement eligibility, you must file the application within six years of the VA rating decision on any particular conditions or the date you’re entitled to retirement pay, whichever is soonest. Best practice is to apply for CRSC as soon as you can, provided you’re entitled to and receiving retirement pay and have a VA rated disability which meets the standards for “combat related.” VA Presumptions are considered valid for CRSC—particularly the PACT Act.
I don’t want to leave money on the table. Help me file my CRSC application!
HAVE THE VETERAN'S ADVOCATE PREPARE YOUR CRSC APPLICATION
Here are some basics on the CRSC application process and benefits available:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Retirement Status: CRSC is typically available to military retirees who are receiving military retirement pay.
- Combat-Related Disability: Individuals must have a combat-related disability as determined by the DoD. This includes disabilities incurred in the line of duty during armed conflict, hazardous duty, conditions simulating war, or while participating in certain operations.
Application Process:
- Submission of Application: Eligible individuals must submit an application for CRSC to their respective military service branch. This involves providing documentation of combat-related disabilities and supporting medical evidence.
- Review and Determination: The military service branch reviews the application, assesses the combat-related nature of the disabilities, and determines the level of CRSC to be awarded. The level of CRSC corresponds directly with the VA rating for the condition(s) deemed “combat-related” through the CRSC determination process.
Calculation of CRSC:
- Offsetting Retired Pay: CRSC is designed to offset the reduction in retired pay that results from receiving VA disability compensation. Although note that you may not simultaneously receive Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) and CRSC.
- Percentage of Disability: The amount of CRSC is calculated based on the percentage of combat-related disability, as determined by the VA.
- Tax-Free Benefit: CRSC is generally non-taxable, providing tax advantages to eligible individuals.
Benefits:
- Supplement to Retirement Pay: CRSC serves as a supplemental payment to military retirement pay, ensuring that individuals with combat-related disabilities receive additional financial support.
- Recognition of Sacrifice: CRSC acknowledges the sacrifices made by military retirees who sustained combat-related injuries during their service.
It's important for eligible individuals to carefully review the specific eligibility criteria and application procedures for CRSC. While eligibility criteria is standardized at the DoD level, application procedures vary by service branch. Additionally, the availability and details of CRSC are subject to changes in legislation and military regulations, so applicants should consult the latest information provided by the Department of Defense and their respective service branches.
