Combat-Related Category Decision Tree
For each rated condition, pick what caused it. You'll see 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 — all four worksheets from the back of the Third Edition — including the new Pre-File Quality Check — plus the Filing Mechanics checklist, 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. CRDP requires a 50%+ combined rating and is not available to Chapter 61 retirees under 20 years (10 U.S.C. 1414(a)(2), (b)(2)); Chapter 61 with 20+ years gets CRDP only on the longevity portion (1414(b)(1)). You elect between CRSC and CRDP in the January open season; confirm the tax side with a tax professional.
Soto Retroactive Back-Pay Estimator
A scenario for the additional retroactive CRSC that could be owed under Soto v. United States (2025). Each month is valued at the VA rate in effect that month, starting no earlier than the statutory floor for your retirement type.
- The earliest possible CRSC month is the latest of: the first month after your retirement date, the first month after the VA effective date for the combat-related conditions, and the statutory floor: June 2003 for the program (January 2004 if the combat-related rating was under 60% with no Purple Heart disability), January 2008 for Chapter 61 retirees with fewer than 20 years (DoD FMR 7B ch. 63, 1.1.1).
- 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.
- Scenario only: your branch sets the effective date and DFAS audits retired pay, the VA offset and any CRDP already paid before anything is payable. Scenarios over $30,000 should be coordinated with a CPA before the lump sum hits.