Combat-Related Special Compensation
What is it'
Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) was enacted by Congress on December 2, 2002. CRSC restores military retired pay that is offset when a military retiree accepts compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for a combat-related disability or condition. This allows eligible retirees to concurrently receive an amount equal to or less than their length of service retirement pay and their VA-disability compensation, if the injury is combat-related.
CRSC is available to retirees from each branch of service. To qualify for CRSC, retirees must meet three basic criteria: 1) they must be receiving military retired pay, 2) they must have had their military retired pay reduced by VA-disability payments (VA waiver), and 3) they must have a 10 percent or greater VA-rated disability that can be linked to a combat-related event through official military documentation. Combat-related injuries are defined as those that are a result of armed conflict, hazardous duty, an instrumentality of war or training that simulates war.
What has the Army done'
To better educate retirees about CRSC, the program launched an extensive outreach effort which has included messages to key audiences, educational materials, an enhanced Web site and media outreach, along with numerous appearances and briefings at significant military and government events.
An important part of the outreach effort has been the CRSC Ambassador program, which provides education and support to military retirees. CRSC Ambassadors assist retirees through the claims process - from filling out the claim form, to gathering documentation, to final submission.
Since its inception, the Army's CRSC program has paid out over $2.1 billion to recipients. Currently, there are 42,500 retirees who are receiving the Army's CRSC benefit.
What efforts does the Army plan to coordinate in the future'
The Army will continue efforts to raise awareness throughout the Army community concerning CRSC and the benefits it provides to eligible military retirees.
Why is CRSC important to the Army'
CRSC is part of the Army's commitment of continued care to Soldiers and their families, beyond their military service.
Resources:
<a href="http://www.crsc.army.mil" target="_blank"> Army CRSC Web site</a>
<a href="mailto:crsc.info@us.army.mil" target="_blank"> Army CRSC Email </a>
Army CRSC toll-free number: 1-866-281-3254
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