Retired veterans with disabilities that are a result of combat-related conditions may experience an additional layer of hardship. Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) is designed to help those veterans get the compensation they deserve by allowing them to collect both military retired pay (MRP) and VA disability pay at the same time.
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In this article, we explain what Combat-Related Special Compensation is, the eligibility criteria for CRSC, how to apply, and how much CRSC you could earn.
In this article about Combat-Related Special Compensation:
What is Combat-Related Special Compensation?
Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) is a tax-free monthly payment available to eligible retired veterans with combat-related conditions. Veterans with CRSC can receive an amount equal to or less than their length of service retirement pay and VA disability compensation, if the injury or condition is related to combat.
The biggest advantage of CRSC is that veterans can receive military retired pay and VA disability pay at the same time.
What is a combat-related disability?
A combat-related disability is a disability with an assigned diagnostic code from the VA that was a result of:
- Armed conflict (gunshot wounds, punji stick injuries, exposure to hazardous substances like Agent Orange)
- Training that simulates war (exercise, practice alerts, field training)
- Engagement in hazardous service activities (flight, diving, demolition duty, parachute duty) OR
- An instrumentality of war (any vessel, vehicle, or device designed and used for military service)
Service-connected disabilities that are not combat-related are not considered for CRSC. For example, an injury sustained from grenade or live-fire weapons practice qualifies for CRSC. Disabilities sustained from jogging or formation running do not qualify for CRSC.
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Who is eligible for Combat-Related Special Compensation?
Retired members of the military can receive CRSC, but it is not considered military retired pay. The focus of CRSC is on combat-related disabilities. CRSC payments are intended to replace the income you would earn if you were able to work.
To qualify to CRSC, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- You are retired and receive or are entitled to receive military retired pay
- You have a VA disability rating of 10% or more for a combat-related injury
- Your military retired pay is reduced by the amount of your VA disability payments
- You are able to provide evidence that your injury was a result of combat
Additionally, at least one of the following must be true:
- You served for 20 years or more in the military, National Guard, or Reserve
- You retired for medical reasons with a disability rating of 30% or more
- You’re covered under the Temporary Early Retirement Act (TERA)
- You’re on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL)
- You’re on the Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL)
How to calculate CRSC pay
While you may have more than one service-connected disability, CRSC only takes combat-related disabilities into account. For multiple combat-related disabilities, your ratings will be combined to determine your CRSC. Below we explain how to calculate the amount of CRSC you qualify for based on your combat-related disability ratings.
- First, deduct each combat-related disability rating percentage from 100% to obtain your remaining efficiencies.
- Next, multiply those remaining efficiencies together.
- Then, subtract that result from 100%.
- Finally, round the result to the closest 10%, rounding up for 5% and above and down for 4% and lower.
Example CRSC calculation
In this example, a retired veteran has three disability ratings of 50%, 40% and 20%. Using the instructions above, we can determine that the veteran’s CRSC combined disability percentage is 80%, as shown below:
- 100% – 50% = 50%; 100% – 40% = 60%; and 100% – 20% = 80%
- 50% x 60% x 80% = 24%
- 100% – 24% = 76%
- 76% rounds up to a 80% combined disability
The branch of service you retired from will determine how much of your combined rating is combat-related. Only the combat-related portion is eligible for CRSC payments.
All disability retirees are eligible for CRSC, but the rate of payment must be reduced by the difference between retired pay based upon disability and retired pay for years of service.
VA math can be confusing. If you need help navigating this complex system, we recommend working with a VA disability lawyer.
CRSC back pay
If you have a qualifying combat-related condition for which you have not yet received CRSC, you can submit the CRSC application with the appropriate evidence. To ensure you’re compensated with the full amount of back pay you are owed, you must file your CRSC claim within six years of any VA rating decision or the date you become eligible to receive retired pay, whichever comes first. If you file your claim after the six-year limit, you will only be eligible for up to six years of the back pay you’re owed.
How to apply for Combat-Related Special Compensation
To receive CRSC, veterans must apply for and elect to receive compensation under the CRSC program. You can apply for CRSC at any time. The application for CRSC, DD Form 2860, must be submitted along with evidence showing that your disability is combat-related.
- Copy of your DD214
- VA rating decisions such as the initial letter from the VA, VA rating decisions and VA code sheets
- Retirement records including retirement orders and the Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer
- Relevant medical records, including service medical records, that show the cause and severity of your disability
- Official service records including After Action Reports, Investigative Reports, personnel action requests, and performance evaluations
- Decorations and honors including Purple Heart awards, Combat Action Badges, medals, and valor decorations
If you need help collecting documentation, you can request them from your nearest VA Regional Office.
Once you have your application completed and your supporting evidence collected, file it with the designated CRSC office of your former military department.
What to do if your CRSC claim is denied
If you are found to be ineligible for CRSC or were disapproved for combat-related injuries, you will be notified via letter. That will describe why you were denied. If you do not agree with the decision, you can submit a request for reconsideration.
To be reconsidered, submit a Reconsideration Request Form (CRSC Form 12e) along with new documentation or relevant information that supports your claim.
How Woods & Woods can help
At Woods & Woods, we focus on helping non-working veterans with service-connected conditions get individual unemployability benefits and, in some cases, increased ratings. We also help survivors of veterans receive their DIC benefits. If you think we can help you with your claim, call us today for a free case evaluation. You won’t pay us unless we take and win your case.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. With CRSC you can receive an amount equal to or less than your length of service retirement pay and your VA disability compensation, if your injury is combat-related.
To qualify to CRSC, you must meet all of the following criteria:
You are retired and receive or are entitled to receive military retired pay
You have a VA disability rating of 10% or more for a combat-related injury
Your military retired pay is reduced by the amount of your VA disability payments
You are able to provide evidence that your injury was a result of combat
Neil Woods
VA disability attorney
Woods & Woods
Neil Woods is the firm’s owner and president. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
