Let’s demystify the path to Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). CRSC provides tax-free payments to retired Veterans with combat-related disabilities. Here’s how it works:

1. Eligibility:
   • You must be retired (and entitled to or receiving military retirement pay).
   • Have a VA disability rating of at least 10%.
   • Currently, your DoD retirement payments are reduced by the amount of your VA disability payments.
   • Your retirement eligibility requirement:
     • 20 or more years of service in the military, National Guard, or Reserve.
     • Retired for medical reasons with a disability rating of at least 30% (under Chapter 61).
     • Covered under the Temporary Early Retirement Act (TERA).
     • On the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) or Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL).
2. Evidence Required:
   • Prove that your disability or injuries are combat-related:
     • Service medical records showing severity and combat-relatedness.
     • Official service records (After Action Reports, Investigative Reports, etc.).
     • Decorations and award recommendations (Purple Heart citations, Combat Action Badges, etc.).
     • Retirement records (orders, transfer reports).
     • Your VA decision notice and DD214.
3. Combat-Related Disability Criteria:
   • Your injury happened while you were:
     • Engaged in armed conflict (combat, occupation, raid).
     • Performing hazardous duty (demolition, flying, parachuting).
     • Participating in war simulation activities.
     • Exposed to instruments of war (military vehicle, weapon, chemical agent).
     • Engaged in an activity for which you received a Purple Heart.
4. Requesting Documents:
   • Decision notice: Send a request to your nearest VA regional office.
   • Military service records (including DD214): Request online, by mail, or in person.