Concurrent Receipt Helper

If you retired from the military and also get VA disability pay, the government may have been subtracting one from the other. Two programs can give some or all of that money back. This helper walks you through a few plain questions to see which one may fit. The two programs are:

Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) — restores retired pay that was reduced by your VA disability pay. It is automatic, and it is for retirees with 20+ years of service and a VA rating of 50% or higher.
Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) — a separate, tax-free payment for disabilities that are combat-related. There is no 50% floor, but you have to apply for it through your branch of service.

You cannot collect both at the same time. If you qualify for both, you take the one that pays more.

1. Did you retire from the military (not just separate or get discharged)?

Yes, after 20+ yearsA regular or reserve length-of-service retirement. Yes, a medical retirement under 20 yearsMedically retired (sometimes called a Chapter 61 retirement) with fewer than 20 years. No, I separated or was dischargedYou left the service without a military retirement.

Educational only, not a determination of eligibility and not legal, tax, or financial advice. The final word belongs to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) and your branch of service. For combat-related pay you must apply through your branch. For the full walk-through, read our guide to concurrent receipt (CRDP vs CRSC), and for claims help use a free VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization.

Concurrent Receipt Helper

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