Have questions about CRSC

Based on your medically retired status (Chapter 61) and 100% P&T rating for combat-related injuries, you are likely eligible for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC), which replaces the VA disability offset for the *combat-related portion* of your retirement pay. Unlike Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP), which restores all retired pay, CRSC under 10 U.S.C. § 1413a is specifically for disabilities that are a direct result of armed conflict, hazardous duty, combat training, or an instrumentality of war, as defined by the relevant service branch. You must apply through your service branch (Army HRC), not the VA, submitting your VA decision letter (showing the 100% rating and likely the diagnostic codes, e.g., PTSD under DC 9411 per 38 CFR 4.130), your DD-214, and detailed evidence linking each condition to a combat event, as the burden of proof is on you. The key calculation will involve determining your "length of service" retired pay (2.5% x 11 years x high-three base pay) and comparing it to the dollar amount of your VA-rated combat-related disabilities; CRSC will pay the lesser of those two amounts, tax-free. Your actionable next steps are: 1) Gather all evidence explicitly connecting your disabilities to combat (e.g., Purple Heart documentation, combat awards, STRs, and buddy statements). 2) Obtain your VA Rating Decision that lists all conditions. 3) Complete and submit DD Form 2860 to the Army CRSC board. Be precise in describing the combat-related cause for each condition you claim, as the board’s determination is separate from the VA’s service connection. *This information is for educational purposes regarding VA and military benefits procedures and is not intended as legal, financial, or medical advice.*