CRDP & CRSC: Getting Both Military Retirement and VA Disability
For decades, military retirees had to waive part of their retired pay to receive VA disability compensation — a dollar-for-dollar offset. Two programs, CRDP and CRSC, now let many retirees receive both, adding hundreds to thousands of dollars a month.
The old problem: the VA offset
Retired pay is taxable; VA disability is tax-free. Historically, every dollar of VA compensation reduced retired pay by a dollar — you didn't truly receive both. CRDP and CRSC restore the offset amount.
CRDP — Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay
- For retirees with 20+ years (longevity retirement) and a VA rating of 50% or higher.
- Restores the offset so you receive full retired pay + full VA disability.
- Automatic — no application needed; it's taxable (the restored retired-pay portion).
CRSC — Combat-Related Special Compensation
- For disabilities that are combat-related (combat, training, hazardous duty, instrumentality of war).
- Available at any rating (10%+) and can apply to medical retirees, not just 20-year retirees.
- Tax-free, but you must apply through your branch.
You can't receive CRDP and CRSC at the same time — but you can choose the one that pays more and switch during the annual open season. For combat-related disabilities, CRSC is often the tax-free winner.
Both build on your retired pay and VA rating — estimate those first.
Estimate your retired pay base — the foundation for CRDP and CRSC.
Calculate my pay →Frequently asked questions
Can you get military retirement and VA disability at the same time?
Yes, through CRDP or CRSC, which restore the old dollar-for-dollar offset. CRDP is for 20-year retirees rated 50%+ (automatic, taxable); CRSC is for combat-related disabilities at any rating (tax-free, must apply).
What is the difference between CRDP and CRSC?
CRDP restores retired pay for 20-year retirees with a 50%+ VA rating and is taxable; CRSC is tax-free but only for combat-related disabilities and requires an application. You can't receive both at once.
Is CRSC tax-free?
Yes — Combat-Related Special Compensation is tax-free, unlike CRDP.