BASIC INFORMATION FOR VETERANS

a.      VA Disability Presumption for Service in Vietnam (click here)

b.      CRSC and CRDP Comparison

Combat Related Special Compensation (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:

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:

 

CRSC

CRDP

Full Concurrent Receipt

Yes

No - 10 Year Phase In
(Except for 100% rated Disabled Retirees)

Sample Payment for 50% Disability Rating

$690 (2007)

$403 (2007)

Required VA Disability Rating:

10%

50%

Taxable

No

Yes

VA Individual Unemployment (IU) Eligible

Yes

3 Yr. Phase in (2009)

Survivor Benefit

No

No

Application Requirement

Yes - DD 2860

No - Automatic

Type of Disability

Combat Related

Service Connected