Combat-Related Special Compensation
CRSC Calculator
Estimate your tax-free CRSC payment for combat-related disabilities. See how much retired pay could be restored.
Retirement Information
Average of highest 36 months basic pay
Before VA offset (gross pay on DFAS)
VA Disability Information
Your combined VA rating from all conditions
Portion approved as combat-related (cannot exceed total rating)
Affects VA compensation rates for 30%+ rating
Total VA payment including dependents
CRSC Eligibility Requirements
- Military retiree (20+ years or medical retirement)
- VA disability rating of 10% or higher
- At least one disability is combat-related
- Retired pay reduced by VA compensation (VA waiver)
Estimated Monthly CRSC
$1,075
You may be eligible for $1,075.16/month in CRSC. You must apply through your service branch.
Annual increase: $12,902
Tax savings (~22%): $2,838/yr
Monthly Income Comparison
See your income with and without CRSC
Calculation Details
See how your CRSC is calculated
Important Notes
- • With 50%+ VA rating, you may also qualify for CRDP (Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay). DFAS will pay whichever is higher. CRSC is tax-free, which may make it more valuable even at the same amount.
- • This is an estimate only. Actual CRSC is determined by your service branch after reviewing your application.
How to Apply for CRSC
Required Documents
- • DD Form 2860 (CRSC Application)
- • DD Form 214
- • VA Rating Decision Letter
- • Service Medical Records
- • Line of Duty Determinations
- • Deployment/Combat Documentation
Submit to Your Branch
Army: HRC, ATTN: AHRC-PDP-C (CRSC), Fort Knox, KY 40122
Navy/Marines: CORB, CRSC Branch, Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374
Air Force: HQ AFPC/DPPDC, Randolph AFB, TX 78150
Coast Guard: Via DCMS website
Processing typically takes 4-16 months. Purple Heart recipients have streamlined approval. Recent Supreme Court ruling (Soto v. United States) may allow retroactive payments.
CRSC vs CRDP: Which is Better?
CRSC (Combat-Related)
- • Must apply and prove combat-related
- • Any VA rating 10%+
- • 100% tax-free
- • Limited to longevity retirement amount
CRDP (Concurrent)
- • Automatic if eligible
- • Requires 50%+ VA rating OR 20+ years
- • Taxable as regular income
- • Full retired pay restored
You cannot receive both. DFAS automatically pays whichever is higher. However, because CRSC is tax-free, it may be worth more even at the same dollar amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as combat-related?
Disabilities from: (1) direct combat, (2) hazardous duty, (3) training simulating war, (4) instrumentality of war (tanks, aircraft, weapons), or (5) conditions of armed conflict. Purple Heart injuries automatically qualify.
Is CRSC automatic?
No. Unlike CRDP, you must apply for CRSC through your branch of service with documentation proving your disabilities are combat-related. The VA rating alone is not sufficient.
What if I have both combat and non-combat disabilities?
CRSC only applies to the combat-related portion. Your total VA rating determines your VA compensation, but only the combat-related rating determines your CRSC amount.
Why is my Chapter 61 CRSC so low (or $0)?
For Chapter 61 medical retirees, if your disability retirement exceeds your longevity retirement, the excess reduces CRSC. This is why many medical retirees receive little or no CRSC.
Need to calculate your full military retirement package?
Military Retirement CalculatorThis calculator provides estimates only. Actual CRSC payments are determined by your service branch. CRSC is not automatic — you must apply with DD Form 2860 and supporting documentation. Combat-related determinations are made by DoD, not the VA. This is not legal or financial advice.