Veterans who receive disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are not eligible to receive the full amount of monthly retirement benefits unless they are 50 percent service-connected or more. However, former servicemembers who became disabled in combat scenarios may be able to receive full retirement benefits as well as monthly disability compensation.
Combat-related special compensation (CRSC) is a monthly payment that allows disabled combat vets to recover a portion or the full amount of their retirement pay. This compensation applies specifically to individuals who have had reduced retirement pay as a result of receiving disability compensation from the VA. The CRSC allows retirees who have served 20 or more years in the US military to receive retirement pay and VA disability benefits.
Below you will find further information on CRSC, eligibility, and the application process. Understanding CRSC and how it will affect military retirement pay may be challenging on your own, which is why our firm is here to navigate you through the process. Contact our talented team today for more information.
The central premise of CRSC is to replace some, if not all, of the retirement benefits withheld from individuals as a result of VA disability compensation. The amount of CRSC payable to a veteran is correlated to the evaluation of their combat-related injury.
The amount of CRSC a former servicemember can collect is up to, but not greater than, the amount of withheld military retirement pay. However, it is essential to note that you cannot receive benefits from both the CRSC and the Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments (CRDP) program at the same time.
To qualify for CRSC, a veteran must meet a list of requirements having to do with years of service, retirement status, disability status, and whether early retirement could apply. Example of eligibility criteria for CRSC include:
When it comes to CRSC eligibility, it is especially important to adhere to the statute of limitations. Veterans have only six years after the date of receiving the VA rating decision to receive CRSC entitlement.
The application process for CRSC is very detail-oriented and requires substantial documentation. The application should include proof of a service-connected disability resulting from a combat-related activity. Gathering proof is a crucial step in successfully obtaining CRSC, so let a lawyer assist you.
If you or a loved one is struggling to understand how CRSC compensation will affect military retirement pay, reaching out to a talented attorney could greatly benefit you. Our dedicated team works hard to help veterans and their families obtain the benefits they deserve. Contact us today for more information, to ask any questions, or to voice any concerns you may have.
