What is the difference between Combat Related Special Compensation and Combat-Related Illness and Injury Compensation?

Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) and Combat-Related Illness and Injury Compensation (CRIIC) are two distinct programs offered by the military to provide financial assistance to eligible veterans. CRSC is a tax-free monthly payment for eligible retired veterans who have combat-related disabilities, aiming to bridge the gap between retirement pay and the amount veterans would have received if they had retired for disability. On the other hand, CRIIC is a tax-free monthly payment for active-duty military members and veterans who have incurred serious disabilities or illnesses directly attributed to combat. While CRSC focuses on retired veterans, CRIIC supports both active-duty military members and veterans. Additionally, CRSC is intended to account for disability-related financial gaps, while CRIIC compensates for specific combat-related illnesses and injuries. Eligibility criteria and application processes may differ for each program.