Comparing CRSC and CRDP

CRSC is an application-claim based program versus the Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments (CRDP) program, which is an automatic entitlement from DFAS for any Retiree with a combined 50% or higher VA disability rating. Some Retirees believe they are already receiving CRSC when they are actually receiving CRDP and thus do not submit their claim for CRSC. If you are not certain what you are receiving, please check your DFAS pay stub and consider submitting your claim for CRSC. The following is a summary of the contrast between CRSC and CRDP:

• Comparing CRSC and CRDP
• CRSC Eligibility
• Submitting a Claim

Comparing CRSC and CRDP

It is important to note that Retirees cannot receive both CRSC and CRDP and must elect one each year through an annual “program election.” Many retirees are confused about which is better for them. When making this decision, please note the following characteristics of CRSC and CRDP:

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CRSC Eligibility

Eligible claimants are/ have:

• Retired with 20 yrs Active or Reserve Duty*;
• Receiving retired pay;
• Retired pay must be offset by VA payments;
• A 10%+ disability rating; and
• At least one combat-related disability.

*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.

Combat-Related Criteria

Combat-related criteria include those VA rated disabilities that occurred under the following situations:

• In the performance of duty under conditions simulating war (e.g., named exercises, routine field training exercises/F0000000000000000000TX)
• While engaged in hazardous service (e.g. flight, diving, parachute duty)
• Through an instrumentality of war (e.g. combat vehicles, weapons)
• As a direct result of armed conflict (e.g. Purple Heart)

OR

• Presumptive cases (e.g. Agent Orange, radiation exposure, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

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CRSC Eligible retirees should submit their claim today!

Retirees can download the CRSC claim form DD 2860.

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