Calculator
CRSC vs CRDP, which concurrent receipt election pays more?
If you are a military retiree who is also VA rated, you may qualify for CRDP (broader, taxable) or CRSC (combat related, tax free), and you elect one each year. Enter your numbers to see an estimate of each.
Your numbers
$
Your DFAS retired pay before the VA waiver.
CRDP needs 50 percent or higher.
Combined rating of only the combat related conditions (your branch decides).
Dependents (for the VA rate)
Estimated better election
CRSC looks better here
Both programs pay about the same gross amount, but more of the CRSC payment is tax free, so CRSC is usually the better election after taxes.
CRDP
Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay
$4,308.45/mo
- Taxable (retired pay)
- $2,500.00
- Tax free (VA comp)
- $1,808.45
CRSC
HigherCombat Related Special Compensation
$4,308.45/mo
- Taxable (reduced retired pay)
- $691.55
- Tax free (VA comp + CRSC)
- $3,616.90
- CRSC payment
- $1,808.45
Based on the 2026 VA rates: VA compensation $1,808.45/mo, retired pay waived $1,808.45/mo. CRSC is capped at the combat related VA amount ($1,808.45/mo) and the waived amount.
You can receive CRDP or CRSC, not both. A retiree eligible for both elects one each year during the DFAS open season (November to December).
VA disability compensation is paid in full under either election. The choice is only about how the waived retired pay is made whole.
CRSC is not automatic. You apply to your service branch, which decides which conditions are combat related and sets the CRSC rate.
Cite this page
Writing about VA benefits? You are welcome to reference this page. Copy the citation below and link back so your readers can verify the source.
CRSC vs CRDP Comparison Calculator. The Veteran Benefit Desk. https://veteranbenefitdesk.com/calculators/crsc-crdp
This is an educational estimate, not a DFAS determination. CRSC requires an application to your service branch, which decides what is combat related. DFAS calculates the actual amounts and runs an official comparison each open season. For your specific case, contact DFAS Retired and Annuitant Pay or a VA accredited representative.
The Veteran Benefit Desk™
An independent VA benefits reference desk
CRSC vs CRDP estimate
October 9, 2026
CRSC looks better here
Both programs pay about the same gross amount, but more of the CRSC payment is tax free, so CRSC is usually the better election after taxes.
Your inputs
| Gross monthly retired pay | $2,500.00 |
| VA combined rating | 70% |
| Combat related rating | 70% |
| Retirement type | Length of service (20+ years) |
| VA compensation (rate year 2026) | $1,808.45/mo |
Result
| CRDP | $4,308.45/mo |
| CRSC (recommended) | $4,308.45/mo |
Details
- ▸You can receive CRDP or CRSC, not both. A retiree eligible for both elects one each year during the DFAS open season (November to December).
- ▸VA disability compensation is paid in full under either election. The choice is only about how the waived retired pay is made whole.
- ▸CRSC is not automatic. You apply to your service branch, which decides which conditions are combat related and sets the CRSC rate.
- ▸This is an educational estimate only and not a guarantee of benefits, ratings, or back pay. VA makes all final determinations. This site is not affiliated with VA or the U.S. government and does not provide legal or medical advice. Bring exact figures to DFAS Retired and Annuitant Pay before making an election.
Educational only. Not affiliated with VA. Not legal or medical advice.
veteranbenefitdesk.com
Free VA tools
Rates and rules verified against DFAS CRSC and CRDP rules on August 2, 2026Report an error