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CRSC Calculator

Your tax-free Combat-Related Special Compensation, compared with CRDP. VA rates effective December 1, 2025.

How you retired
Retirement system

Reserve and Guard: retirement points ÷ 360.

$

Your retired pay base, from your retiree account statement.

The combined rating of only the disabilities your branch approves as combat-related (on your CRSC decision letter).

Spouse

Dependents raise VA pay only at 30% and above.

Better for you: CRDP (+$719.55 a month before tax)

CRSC per month

$1,241.90

$14,902.80 a year, tax-free

CRDP per month

$1,961.45

a month, taxable like retired pay

Total each month with CRDP

$5,211.45

VA pay + retired pay left + CRDP

CRDP pays $719.55 a month more before taxes. CRSC is tax-free, so compare after tax; the gap narrows by your tax rate on the CRDP amount. You get one or the other and can switch only in DFAS's January open season.

Retired pay (before the VA offset)$3,250.00
VA compensation at 70%$1,961.45
Retired pay withheld for VA pay (the offset)$1,961.45
Retired pay still paid$1,288.55
VA rate for the combat-related 50%$1,241.90
CRSC$1,241.90

An estimate with VA rates effective December 1, 2025. Your branch decides which disabilities are combat-related, and DFAS computes the payment. Not included: parents as dependents, children over 18 in school, the spouse aid and attendance add-on, and Chapter 61 retired pay that is itself tax-free.

How the calculator works

  1. Retired pay. Years × 2.5% (2.0% under BRS) × your high-3. For Chapter 61, the greater of your DoD disability rating or that years-based figure, up to 75% of your high-3.
  2. The offset. Retired pay is cut by your VA compensation, dollar for dollar.
  3. CRSC. The VA rate for your combat-related rating alone (with your spouse and children), up to the amount of the offset.
  4. Chapter 61 limit. CRSC plus the retired pay you still get can't exceed what your years of service alone would pay.
  5. CRDP. With a 50% rating (and 20 years if Chapter 61), the offset is restored instead, up to the same Chapter 61 limit.

More on eligibility, the combat-related categories, and the paperwork in the CRSC guide. Planning a federal job after the military? The FERS retirement calculator shows how bought-back military time adds to a federal pension.

Questions

What is CRSC?

Combat-Related Special Compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for military retirees with combat-related disabilities. Normally your retired pay is cut dollar for dollar by your VA disability pay. CRSC pays back the part of that cut that comes from combat-related disabilities.

Who qualifies for CRSC?

Military retirees who receive retired pay (20+ years, Chapter 61 medical retirement, TERA, or reserve retirement once pay starts) and have at least a 10% VA rating for disabilities your branch approves as combat-related: armed conflict, hazardous duty, training that simulates war, or an instrumentality of war.

How is CRSC calculated?

It is the VA compensation for your combat-related rating alone, including the dependent amounts, capped at the retired pay withheld because of your VA pay. Chapter 61 retirees have one more limit: CRSC plus the retired pay they still get can't exceed what their years of service alone would pay.

CRSC or CRDP: which is better?

CRDP (Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay) needs a 50% VA rating (and 20 years for Chapter 61 retirees) and restores the whole offset, but it is taxable. CRSC covers only combat-related disabilities but is tax-free. If you qualify for both, DFAS pays one, and you can switch each January during open season. If you don't send a form, DFAS keeps paying the same program.

Is CRSC taxable?

No. CRSC is tax-free. CRDP is restored retired pay and is taxed like it.

How do I apply?

Through your branch, not DFAS or VA: DD Form 2860 with your VA rating decision and evidence that each disability is combat-related (for example, a Purple Heart citation, line-of-duty reports, or medical records). Each branch has its own CRSC office and mailing address on the form instructions.

Sources: 10 U.S.C. 1401, 1413a, and 1414; VA veteran compensation rates effective December 1, 2025; DFAS CRDP/CRSC open season FAQ. Checked November 14, 2026.