Combat-Related Category Decision Tree
For each rated condition, pick what caused it. You'll get the CRSC category to claim under — and what to document. Repeat for every condition on your VA rating.
Unlock the full Quickstart Kit
Section A above is free to use right now. The rest of the kit — the Evidence Inventory Worksheet (PDF), the CRSC vs. CRDP after-tax calculator, and the Soto retroactive estimator — unlocks with your email. Same tools as the back of The CRSC Playbook.
Evidence Inventory Worksheet
One row per rated condition: the category, the qualifying event, the evidence you have, and the evidence you still need to source. When every row is complete, your packet plan is ready.
⤓ Download the Worksheet (PDF)The download includes the Eligibility Self-Check, the Evidence Inventory Worksheet, and the Soto Retroactive Estimator — the same worksheets from the back of the book, fillable and printable.
CRSC vs. CRDP After-Tax Calculator
CRDP is taxable. CRSC is tax-free. The bigger gross number isn't always the bigger paycheck. Enter your figures to see which one nets you more.
Simplified. DFAS pays the higher of the two automatically each year; confirm with a tax professional.
Soto Retroactive Back-Pay Estimator
A rough-cut estimate of additional retroactive CRSC you may be owed under Soto v. United States (2025). Enter a date or a number of months.
- The earliest possible CRSC date is the latest of: January 2008, your retirement date, or the VA rating's effective date.
- Under DoD’s May 14, 2026 guidance, the earlier limits on post–August 2025 applications were retracted — the branches must set effective dates as the CRSC statute directs, back to your date of eligibility (subject to the statutory start dates), and DoD will review and correct decisions made under the 2025–26 interim rules. Litigation over implementation (Ploe v. United States) continues. File promptly and preserve your retroactivity arguments in writing.
- Rough estimate only — your branch and DFAS calculate the actual amount. Estimates over $30,000 should be coordinated with a CPA before the lump sum hits.