Claim for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)

When this form is commonly used

Use when a retired service member wants their branch of service to determine whether one or more VA-rated disabilities qualify as combat-related for CRSC. This is a Department of Defense retired-pay process—not a VA disability claim—and the service branch makes the CRSC determination.

Who completes it

What it helps document

• Identifies the applicant and retired-pay information
• Lists the VA-rated disabilities claimed as combat-related
• Describes how each disability relates to a qualifying combat-related circumstance
• Provides supporting military, medical, and VA decision records for branch review

Common mistakes to avoid

• Sending the application to VA or DFAS instead of the appropriate military branch
• Assuming every VA service-connected disability automatically qualifies as combat-related
• Omitting records that connect a claimed disability to the combat-related circumstance
• Reusing an unofficial copy without checking the current DoD form page and branch instructions