Many former servicemembers find it difficult to prove their eligibility to receive both retirement pay and disability compensation without a 50% disability rating for conditions not related to combat. For this reason, it may be in your best interests to work with a diligent legal team that dedicates itself to helping disabled veterans get the compensation they need and deserve from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The VA gives disability ratings for a service-connected conditions based on the combined level of impairment. The rating is calculated using a doctor’s note, medical test results, and the compensation and pension (C&P) exam. If your disability existed before military service but worsened as a result, your compensation will reflect a rating of aggravation on your injury.
Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay, or CRDP, allows veterans who are 50% or more that have service-connected disabilities for non-combat injuries to receive both a military retirement and disability compensation simultaneously. VA disability benefits require you to have a current medical impairment resulting from, or which was worsened by, active duty military service.
You must also have been discharged from service under honorable conditions. The only difference in benefits for combat and non-combat vets comes down to priority, as combat veterans are prioritized before non-combat veterans. They may receive more medical coverage and eligibility enrollment than non-combat vets, but it is still possible to receive a pension and disability compensation at the same time for non-combat, service-connected impairments with a 50% or higher combined rating.
