Seeking Special Compensation Claimants

[unhappycamper]

Seeking Special Compensation Claimants
Air Force Print News | February 06, 2008

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - The approval rate of claims for Combat-Related Special Compensation is currently running 66 percent, but one-third of the eligible retirees still have not applied for the program.

Air Force Personnel Center officials expected an increase in claims when the benefit was expanded to include all combat or combat-related disabilities rated as service-connected by the Department of Veterans Affairs at 10 percent or higher, but that increase has just not happened.

"When in doubt - apply," said Mr. Rick Castro, Air Force CRSC program manager.

"It may be the key to receiving additional tax-free money to which you're entitled. I encourage all who meet the basic eligibility criteria to apply and let our experienced staff make the decision."

The Air Force has processed about 34,000 Air Force claims since the program's inception in 2003; however, this is just a drop in the bucket compared to the number of retirees still possibly eligible, Mr. Castro said. Data shows there are more than 200,000 members receiving Air Force retired pay who also receive 10 percent or greater VA disability compensation today. Even subtracting the 50,000 already under Concurrent Retirement Disability Payments (often called "Concurrent Receipt"), there are still 120,000 retirees who have not applied for CRSC.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,161493,00.html