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| Public Affairs |
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Sept. 22, 2004
CRSC offers added benefits to eligible applicants RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Some military retirees have benefited from the Combat-Related Special Compensation Program that provides monthly payments for service-related health problems, but Air Force Personnel Center officials here say many additional people may still profit should they apply. Combat-related special compensation allows some disabled military retirees, who served at least 20 years, to collect monthly, tax-free payments for their service-related disabilities. “We highly encourage all military retirees with disabilities who served at least 20 years to apply for this compensation,” said Maj. Lorianne Hodge, CRSC board chief here. “The peace of mind these benefits offer should far out weigh any doubts of eligibility or concerns over the application process.” Major Hodge cited a recent applicant, a Vietnam veteran, who developed diabetes that was determined to be caused by exposure to Agent Orange. “Although he had documentation for his 20-percent disability of diabetes, he did not know he could claim other secondary illnesses which stemmed from the onset of the diabetes,” she said. “We were able to additionally approve him for those secondary disabilities for a total of 100 percent, which translates to about $2,200 a month in CRSC compensation.” Although CRSC specifically addresses “combat-related” disabilities, retirees who developed disabilities from non-combat duty may also apply. Injuries due to training, simulated war exercises, parachuting and munitions demolition are all examples that may be compensated. Applicants may apply at http://www.dior.whs.mil/forms/DD2860T.pdf on the Internet where they will also find lists of supporting documentation they may want to include in their packages. They can also visit their local military installation’s military personnel flight for assistance. Completed applications and supporting documentation can be mailed to: United States Air Force, Disability Division (CRSC), 550 C Street West Suite 6, Randolph AFB TX 78150-4708. To obtain copies of military records, contact the National Personnel Records Center, 9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis MO 63132-5100 or call (314) 801-0800. Approved applicants will receive compensation backdated to June, 2003 when the program began. Many veterans have confused CRSC with the Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments Program, a program which began in January. CRDP enables military retirees with disabilities to get Veterans Administration benefits and still receive military retiree pay. If applicants qualify for both CRSC and CRDP, they can choose the program which offers them the most benefit. More information is available by calling the Air Force Personnel Contact Center toll free at (866) 229-7074, commercial at (210) 565-5000 or DSN 665-1600. -30- |
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Air Force Personnel Center | Randolph AFB, TX 78150 |
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