Combat-Related Special Compensation aids retirees with disability

This means that qualified military retirees with 20 or more years of service that have "combat related" VA-rated disability will no longer have their military retirement pay reduced by the amount of their VA disability compensation. Instead they will receive both their full military retirement pay and their VA disability compensation.

In determining eligibility, retired members must be retired with 20 (or more) years of active duty, or retired at age 60 from the Guard or Reserve.  They must be receiving retired pay, and have a compensable VA disability of 10 percent or higher.  Also, retired pay must be offset by VA disability payments. 

Although CRSC specifically addresses "combat-related" disabilities incurred from armed conflict, retirees who developed disabilities from other than combat may also be eligible. Disabilities caused by exposure to Agent Orange, combat training, aircrew duties, simulated war exercises, parachuting and munitions demolition potentially qualify for compensation under this program. But slipping and falling in an exercise or even during combat - if not caused by something related to combat, combat training, or an instrumentality of war - normally does not qualify for CRSC.

Our office can assist in applying for this benefit.  You’ll need a copy of your DD214, copies of any VA rating decisions addressing the disabilities being claimed, and any other available documentation.  If you don’t have these items, we can help get them.

The Kings County Veterans Service Office can complete the DMV Veteran Status Verification Form for the new California Veteran Designation on your driver’s license and also issues Veteran I.D. cards to honorably discharged veterans. Contact Scott Holwell if you would like to receive periodic veteran’s information by email.

There are many state and federal benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents.  To determine if you are eligible for any of these benefits, call or visit our office.  We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms.  You can get information on the Web from the Kings County Veterans Service Office webpage at www.countyofkings.com/vets.

Scott Holwell, retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, is the Veterans Service Officer for Kings County. Send your questions to the Veterans Service Office, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA 93230; call (559)852-2669; or e-mail scott.holwell@co.kings.ca.us.