Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) can be yours if you are a veteran residing in Fresno, Bakersfield, or Stockton, California, with a service-connected handicap linked to combat or combat-related activity. Not all veterans are aware that this significant perk lets eligible ones get tax-free compensation on top of their military retirement salary. This blog will explain what CRSC is, who qualifies, the 2025 changes, and how an experienced VA disability lawyer at Peña & Bromberg may assist you negotiate the difficult claims procedure.
Table of Contents:
- What is the VA Combat Related Special Compensation?
- Who Qualifies for CRSC in 2025?
- 2025 Updates You Need to Know
- How to Apply for CRSC
- Common Reasons CRSC Claims Are Denied
- Why Hire Peña & Bromberg for CRSC Help?
- Let’s Talk About Your Case
What is the VA Combat Related Special Compensation?
Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) is a monthly, tax-free benefit offered to military retirees who suffer from disabilities that are directly linked to combat or combat-like conditions. This includes injuries from armed conflict, hazardous duty, training for war, or situations involving an instrumentality of war (e.g., military equipment or vehicles).
Unlike VA disability compensation, which offsets retirement pay (known as the VA offset), CRSC allows eligible veterans to receive both their full military retirement pay and their VA disability benefits without deduction. This can result in a significant increase in monthly income for disabled veterans who meet the criteria.
Who Qualifies for CRSC in 2025?
To qualify for CRSC in 2025, veterans must meet several eligibility requirements:
- Be a military retiree (including those retired under Temporary Early Retirement Authority or TERA).
- Have a VA disability rating of at least 10%.
- Have combat-related disabilities as determined by the military branch.
- Be receiving or be entitled to receive military retired pay.
- Provide evidence that links the disability to combat-related service.
- Combat-related service includes:
- Armed conflict (actual war or engagements)
- Hazardous duty (such as exposure to toxic substances or dangerous environments)
- Training that simulates war (including field exercises or weapon training)
- Injuries involving military equipment (e.g., helicopters, tanks, firearms)
If you’re a retiree from the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, or Coast Guard living in California’s Central Valley, you’re strongly encouraged to review your eligibility with a local VA benefits attorney.
2025 Updates You Need to Know
As of 2025, there have been no major overhauls to the CRSC program itself, but processing times have increased due to a backlog of VA claims nationally. Veterans are encouraged to submit comprehensive evidence with their applications to avoid unnecessary delays.
Additionally, the Department of Defense has clarified that medical records and service documentation that directly connect your condition to a combat scenario will hold more weight in determining eligibility. If your CRSC application lacks clarity or sufficient documentation, it could be denied or delayed.
Key 2025 takeaways:
- Electronic submissions are being prioritized over paper applications.
- Denials can now be appealed more efficiently with new digital processes.
- Documentation is more critical than ever—don’t leave any gaps.
How to Apply for CRSC
Veterans must apply directly through their branch of service using DD Form 2860 (Claim for Combat-Related Special Compensation).
The application should include:
- Medical records
- Service records
- Combat or hazardous duty documentation
- A detailed explanation of how your disability is combat-related
- Applications can be submitted by mail or online, but online submissions tend to move faster due to improved digital systems.
Each branch has its own CRSC board that reviews and approves applications, so it’s crucial to tailor your submission to your specific branch’s expectations.
Common Reasons CRSC Claims Are Denied
Unfortunately, CRSC claims are often denied for reasons that could have been avoided with legal assistance. Common issues include:
- Lack of evidence connecting the disability to a combat scenario
- Incomplete forms or missing documentation
- Incorrect assumptions about what qualifies as combat-related
- Failure to include service treatment records
- Misunderstanding of the differences between VA disability compensation and CRSC
A denial does not mean the end of the road. Many veterans find success after an appeal or resubmission with additional documentation.
Why Hire Peña & Bromberg for CRSC Help?
Navigating the VA claims system—and especially CRSC—isn’t easy. That’s where Peña & Bromberg comes in. Our firm has been proudly serving veterans in Fresno, Bakersfield, and Stockton for years. Our experienced VA disability attorneys understand what it takes to build a compelling CRSC application or fight back after a denial.
Here’s why veterans choose Peña & Bromberg:
- Veteran-Focused Representation – We handle CRSC and VA disability claims daily.
- Deep Understanding of Military Medical Records – We know how to interpret service-related medical issues and argue their combat connection.
- Local Insight – We know the regional VA offices in California and how to get results.
- No Upfront Fees – You don’t pay unless we win your case.
- Proven Results – Our team has helped hundreds of veterans secure the compensation they deserve.
When your financial future and dignity are on the line, don’t leave your case in the hands of generic assistance. Let a firm that’s passionate about veterans fight for you.
Let’s Talk About Your Case
If you’re a retired veteran living in Fresno, Bakersfield, or Stockton, and you think you may qualify for combat related special compensation, the time to act is now. The VA claims process is complex, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Let the trusted legal team at Peña & Bromberg guide you through the process from start to finish. Whether you’re applying for the first time or appealing a denial, we’ll give your case the attention and skill it deserves.
📞 Call now to schedule your free consultation or use our secure contact form to start your CRSC application with confidence.
