Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) and concurrent retirement and disability pay (CRDP) provide eligible military retirees monthly entitlements in addition to retired pay.
CRSC is a non-taxable special compensation for combat-related disabilities. Retirees must apply to their branch of service to receive it.
The ability to receive concurrent retirement and disability pay (CRDP) is a restoration of retired pay that was previously withheld due to the past Department of Veterans Affairs compensation offset for retirees with service-connected disabilities. This means that an eligible retiree's retired pay will be fully restored (phase-in completed as of 2014). CRDP is taxed in the same manner as your retired pay, and it is normally considered taxable income. No application is required. Eligible retirees receive CRDP automatically.
Some retirees may believe they already receive CRSC when they actually receive CRDP, so that they fail to submit their claim for CRSC. If you are not certain which you receive, check your Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) or Coast Guard pay stub, and consider submitting your claim for CRSC.
Comparing CRSC and CRDP
It is important to note that by law, retirees can't receive both CRSC and CRDP and must elect one each year through an annual "program election." Many retirees are confused about which is better for them. When making this decision, please note the following characteristics of CRSC and CRDP:
| CRSC | CRDP | |
| Full Concurrent Receipt | Yes | Yes |
| Required Minimum VA Disability Rating: | 10% | 50% |
| Taxable | No. It is a disability payment. | Yes. It is considered recoupment of retired pay. |
| VA Individual Unemployment (IU) Eligible | Yes | Yes |
| Survivor Benefit | No | No |
| Application Requirement | Yes. DD 2860 | No. Automatic |
| Type of Disability | Combat related | Service connected |
| Subject to USFSPA Division (Former Spouse)? | No | Yes |
| Retroactive Payments | Yes. Back to June 1, 2003 | Yes. May go back to June 1, 2004 |
| Claims Process | Must apply through service branch | Automatic enrollment |
CRSC Eligibility
To qualify for CRSC you must:
- Be entitled to and/or receiving military retired pay
- Be rated at least 10% disabled by the VA
- Waive your VA pay from your retired pay
- File a CRSC application with your branch of service
Disabilities that may be considered combat-related include injuries incurred as a direct result of:
- Armed conflict
- Hazardous duty
- An instrumentality of war
- Simulated war
If you have questions about your CRSC eligibility, please call DFAS at 800-321-1080 or contact your branch of service.
CRDP Eligibility
You must be eligible for retired pay to qualify for CRDP. If you were placed on a disability retirement, but would be eligible for military retired pay in the absence of the disability, you may be entitled to receive CRDP.
Under these rules, you may be entitled to CRDP if:
- You are a regular retiree with a VA disability rating of 50% or greater.
- You are a reserve retiree with 20 qualifying years of service, who has a VA disability rating of 50% or greater and who has reached retirement age. (In most cases, the retirement age for reservists is 60, but certain reserve retirees may be eligible before they turn 60. If you are a member of the Ready Reserve, your retirement age can be reduced below age 60 by three months for each 90 days of active service you have performed during a fiscal year.)
- You are retired under the Temporary Early Retirement Act (TERA) and have a VA disability rating of 50% or greater.
- You are a disability retiree who earned entitlement to retired pay under any provision of law other than solely by disability, and you have a VA disability rating of 50% or greater. You might become eligible for CRDP at the time you would have become eligible for retired pay.
If you have any questions regarding your CRDP payment from DFAS, call 800-321-1080. For questions concerning disability ratings or disability compensation, please contact the VA at 800-827-1000.
The CRSC Application Process:
For more information on how to apply, visit your military service branch's CRSC website:
- AIR FORCE
US Air Force Personnel Center
Disability Division (CRSC)
550 C Street West Suite 6
Randolph AFB TX 78150-4708
Phone: 800-525-0102
Website
- ARMY
Department of the Army
U.S. Army Human Resources Command
ATTN: CRSC Division
1600 Spearhead Division Avenue
Fort Knox, KY 40122-5402
Phone: 888-281-3254
Website
- COAST GUARD
Commander (PSC-PSD-MED)
Personnel Service Center
2703 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20593-7200
Phone: 202-795-6631
Website
- NAVY and MARINE CORPS
Department of the Navy
Secretary of the Navy Council of Review Boards
Attn: Combat-Related Special Compensation
720 Kennon Street SE, Suite 309
Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5023
Phone: 877-366-2772
Website
For more information from DFAS, call toll free at 800-321-1080. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 0800 - 1700 (ET).
Questions concerning disability ratings or payments due from the VA should be directed to the VA at 800-827-1000.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about receiving concurrent retirement and disability pay (CRDP) and Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC).
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