Simply put Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) allows certain military retirees to receive both their military retirement pay and VA Disability Compensation. This means that qualified military retirees with 20 or more years of service that have a "combat related" VA-rated disability no longer have their military retirement pay reduced by the amount of their VA disability compensation.  The following is a summary of Combat-Related Special Compensation:

2008 Update: The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, signed into law on January 29, 2008, includes changes to Chapter 61 retiree eligibility, a new component for (CRSC). This legislation expands eligibility to medical retirees with less than 20 years of service, effective January 1, 2008.  Medically retired veterans must still provide documentation that shows a causal link between a current VA disability and a combat related event.

CRSC Eligibility

Combat Related Special Compensation eligibility includes disabilities incurred as a direct result of:

  • Armed Conflict (gunshot wounds, purple heart, etc)
  • Training that Simulates War (Exercises, field training, etc)
  • Hazardous Duty (flight, diving, parachute duty)
  • An Instrumentality of War (combat vehicles, weapons, agent orange, etc)

The following are the current CRSC eligibility requirements:

  • Retirees must apply to their respective branch of service to be approved for CRSC.
  • Retirees must be in receipt of VA compensation.
  • Retirees must be in receipt of military retired pay.
  • Retirees must have an approved combat-related VA disability rating of 10% or greater.
  • Retirees from active-duty must have 20 years of active service. 
  • *Chapter 61 Medical Retirees with less than 20 years.
  • Retired reservists must have 20 years of qualifying service (supported by documentation from the applicable branch of service such as a 20-year letter, retirement orders or a statement of service) in order to be eligible.

Please note that qualified reservists will not receive CRSC until they begin to receive retired pay at age 60.

*CRSC Updates: The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was signed into law on January 28, 2008. It expanded the eligibility of CRSC to include anyone recieving military retired pay. This includes: Medical Chapter 61, Temporary Early Retirement Act (TERA) and Temporary Disabled Retirement List (TDRL) retirees. These new eligible components for CRSC went into effect January 1, 2008. Medical and TERA retirees must still provide documentation that shows a causal link between a current VA disability and a combat related event.

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The Value of the CRSC Benefit:

The following table shows a sampling of how much extra you may get each month based on your VA disability rating.

Combat related VA Disability Rating
Monthly CRSC
100%
$2,527
90%
$1,517
80%
$1,349
70%
$1,161
60%
$921
50%
$728
40%
$512
30%
$356
20%
$230
10%
$117

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The CRSC Application Process:

To receive Combat Related Special Compensation you must submit your application (DD form 2860), through your parent military service branch. Each service branch has the authority to determine your eligibility.

For more information on how to apply contact your parent military service branch:

  • ARMY:

      Department of the Army
      U.S. Army Physical Disability Agency
      Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)
      200 Stovall Street
      Alexandria, Virginia 22332-0470
      Toll-free: 1-866-281-3254
      Hours: 8am - 8pm EST
      E-mail your questions to:
      CRSC.info@us.army.mil
      Or visit: http://www.crsc.army.mil

  • NAVY AND MARINE CORPS:
      Department of Navy Naval Council of Personnel Boards
      Combat-Related Special Compensation Branch
      720 Kennon Street S.E., Suite 309
      Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5023
      Toll free 1-877-366-2772
      Or visit the Navy CRSC Review Board website.
  • AIR FORCE:
      United States Air Force Personnel Center
      Disability Division (CRSC)
      550 C Street West, Suite 6
      Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4708
      (Toll Free 1-800-616-3775)
      Fax: 1-210-565-1101
      E-Mail: afpc.dppdc.afcrsc@randolph.af.mil
      Or visit the Air Force CRSC website
  • COAST GUARD:
      Commander (adm-1-CRSC)
      U.S. Coast Guard
      Personnel Command
      4200 Wilson Blvd
      Arlington VA 22203

    Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about the new Concurrent Receipt and Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) laws.