Compensation Issue

When it comes to Combat Related Special Compensation, service officers are limited in the assistance they can provide. This information may help you understand some of the problems.

Despite the name, CRSC does not have to be the result of direct combat. The intent of this editorial is to help you understand the relationship of the branch of service you served in (Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine Corps, etc.), the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

If you believe you are entitled to CRSC, you must apply to your branch of service for a special board’s consideration and review of your application. If the board approves your application for CRSC, it will send you a letter indicating it did so and also inform DFAS. 

For veterans who are Chapter 61 retirees (medically retired prior to 20 years of service), here is where the sticky part comes in. PVA members who are Chapter 61 retirees, read carefully from here.

DFAS uses a complicated formula to determine if you receive a monetary amount as the result of CRSC entitlement. Remember, I said your branch of service just determines you are entitled to CRSC. DFAS takes into consideration your rank, time of service in the military, degree of disability, amount of compensation received from VA, and a few other esoteric items.

 

To read more about this, order the February 2012 PN, Click Here.
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