CRSC: Combat-Related Special Compensation
A tax-free payment for retired veterans with a combat-related disability.
Who can qualify
Per DFAS, you must be entitled to and/or receiving military retired pay, be rated at least 10 percent by VA, and waive your VA pay from your retired pay. VA adds that one of these must also apply: 20 or more years of service, or a medical retirement with a 30 percent or higher rating (or coverage under TERA, TDRL or PDRL). Your disability must also be combat-related.
CRSC eligibility
What counts as combat-related
The disability must result from armed conflict, hazardous duty, an instrumentality of war, or simulated war. A disability for which you received the Purple Heart also counts.
Tax and back pay
DFAS says CRSC is a tax-free entitlement paid each month. VA says to get the full amount of back pay, file within 6 years of any VA rating decision or the date you become entitled to retired pay, whichever comes first. If you file later, you can get only up to 6 years of payments.
How to apply
Complete DD Form 2860 and send it to your branch of service, with copies (never originals) of supporting papers such as retirement orders, medical records and your VA rating decision. You do not apply to VA. DFAS says applications are mailed or faxed; electronic submission is not available. If you are reapplying for new disabilities, request a reconsideration application from your branch.
Army: U.S. Army Human Resources Command, ATTN: CRSC Division, 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122, 866-281-3254, crsc.info@us.army.mil
Navy and Marine Corps: Secretary of the Navy Council of Review Boards, Combat Related Special Compensation, 720 Kennon Street SE, Suite 309, Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5023, 877-366-2772, CRSC@navy.mil
Air Force: U.S. Air Force Personnel Center, Disability Division (CRSC), 550 C Street West, Suite 6, Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4708, 800-525-0102
Coast Guard, NOAA Corps and Public Health Service: mailing addresses are printed on DD Form 2860.
Where to call and where to go
Phone
- DFAS retired pay, CRSC and CRDP questions: 800-321-1080, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET (DFAS disability page)
- Your branch CRSC office: numbers listed above
- VA benefits hotline: 800-827-1000, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET
- Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1, any hour
Official pages and form
- DFAS: Combat-Related Special Compensation
- DFAS: how to apply for CRSC and branch addresses
- DD Form 2860, Claim for Combat-Related Special Compensation (PDF)
- DFAS: VA waiver and retired pay, CRDP and CRSC
- VA: Combat-Related Special Compensation
Free help
- Find a VA-accredited representative or VSO to help with your records and application.