Need help w CRSC for AF Veteran

[LKCivi]

Can someone please help me figure out what my husband’s CRSC should have been? He applied for CRSC before he passed away in 2016 due to his service-connected disabilities (specifically Combat injuries). The equation on the DoD webpage is a bit confusing - or maybe it is just me making it more difficult than it really is. I can provide any information to get an estimate. I think that the information below is what is needed:

Branch: Air Force
Rank: E5
Length of service: 11 years, 7 months
VA rating: 100% PTSD/TBI
Retirement date: April 2011 (Single)
Oct 2014 (Married)
Feb 2015 (Spouse + Child)
VA Pay @ Retirement (2011): $2,947.50

Also, does SMC affect CRSC? If so, how?

I really appreciate any help with this!

 

[RetiredColonel-MikeT]

First of all, my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband. Was he ever awarded CRSC? I know that he would have been capped by his length of service, which would have very roughly been around $2600 x 2.5% x 11.6 = $750/mo non-taxable. Since DFAS in their infinite wisdom took down the historical pay scales (at least I can't find them with a quick glance), I had to resort to reducing an E-5 over 10 years base pay by the COLA's for the past 13 years, which is how I came up with a rough starting point of $2600 for a high average 36. Hence a VERY rough guestimate. @RonG can do a better crunch of the numbers than I can as that's his forte

So, a length of service cap is just that: regardless of the approved rating for CRSC, the veteran would be capped at that amount, so even at 100% CRSC, which equates to the VA pay tables with dependents, it would still be capped at roughly $750/mo. If SMC is based on a condition that's been rated combat-related by the service branch, in your husband's case, the Air Force, then it too would be considered combat-related. However, it is my understanding that it does not go over the aforementioned length of service cap (LOS). I'm sure there will be others who will chime in who know more of the nuances of the effect of SMC on CRSC. CRSC does NOT carry forward following the loss of the veteran.

I hope this helps!

 

[RonG]

Hello @LKCivi
Cc: @RetiredColonel-MikeT

1. His CRSC would have been limited by the longevity amount as explained by Col Mike.
2. Due to the number of active duty time involved and the longevity ceiling, SMC-s or any other SMC would not be a factor.
3. His longevity using your info, would be 11.583 x 2.5% = 28.96 % longevity multiplier

The total of his highest 36 months base pay divided by 36 = average high three base pay


average high three x 28.96% = hypothetical longevity amount


Retro CRSC is usually limited to six years.

4. His most recent DFAS RAS could be used to determine average high three . Gross retired pay on DFAS RAS divided by DoD disability percentage (if disability retiree) = high three for that period. One must be retired to receive CRSC.

5. Sorry, I do not compute retroactive CRSC entitlement other than 2-3 cases years ago. Generally, my computations are contemporary. I do not use an electronic calculator . My last retro CRSC was in 2015 and I did not compute my own retro.

6. Col Mike’s speculative amount is as good as any at this point.

Good luck,
Ron

 

[RonG]

Hello @LKCivi
cc: @RetiredColonel-MikeT

I have some time today to work the retro CRSC. Please cite the CRSC effective date and approved CRSC percentage IF available.
I will need the gross pay from a DFAS RAS (identify date); OR average high three base pay, cite date. Also provide DoD disability percentage, if not cited above.

Here is an old computation from a couple of years ago:

*an answer in ~2021*

Please note that each year has to be computed separately and the unknown base amount for each period has to be determined by backing out (reducing) the known amount that includes COLA increase(s) not applicable to the period involved. In other words, the period prior to your current rate of CRSC must include 634 (current rate) divided by 1.059% to find the earlier rate that does not included the recent 5.9% increase.

Beginning with $634, the known rate for the period beginning 1 December 2021:

• COLA Increases
• 5.9 percent. 12/01/2021;
• 1.3 PERCENT 12/01/2020;
• 1.6 PERCENT 12/01/2019;
• 2.8 percent 12/01/18;
• 2.0 percent 12/01/2017;
• 0.3 percent 12/01/2016
• Zero percent 12/01/2015
• 
  Rough estimate of retroactive CRSC based on available info:
• 
  
• 634 beginning 12/1/2021: 634.00 x 4 = 2536
• 12/01/2020 thru 11/30/21: 598.67 x 12 = 7184.04
• 12/01/2019 thru 11/30/20 : 590.99 x 12 =7091.88
• 12/01/2018 thru 11/30/19: 581.68 x 12 = 6980.16
• 12/01/2017 thru 11/30/18: 565.84 x 12 = 6790.08
• 12/01/2016 thru 11/30/17 = 554.75 x 12 = 6657.00
• The rate beginning 12/01/2015 would be 553.09 monthly
• TOTAL: $37,059.16 not including any retro from the period beginning 12/01/2015. The monthly rate for that period is $553.09

 

[RonG]

Can someone please help me figure out what my husband’s CRSC should have been? He applied for CRSC before he passed away in 2016 due to his service-connected disabilities (specifically Combat injuries). The equation on the DoD webpage is a bit confusing - or maybe it is just me making it more difficult than it really is. I can provide any information to get an estimate. I think that the information below is what is needed:

Branch: Air Force
Rank: E5
Length of service: 11 years, 7 months
VA rating: 100% PTSD/TBI
Retirement date: April 2011 (Single)
Oct 2014 (Married)
Feb 2015 (Spouse + Child)
VA Pay @ Retirement (2011): $2,947.50

Also, does SMC affect CRSC? If so, how?

I really appreciate any help with this!

Hello @LKCivi ,
cc: @RetiredColonel-MikeT

It appears you have not returned since your only post in this forum.

Using some of the figures and other information in this thread, here is a rough estimate.

1. The base pay in 2011 for an E5 over 10 in 2011 = 2947.50 (that is not his average high three base pay)
2. For the purpose of discussion, his CRSC would have been less than:
2947.50 x 28.96% = 853.60 the hypothetical longevity amount
3. There would have been a COLA increase
Effective 1 December 2011 = 3.6%. 853.60 x 1.036 = 884.33 for 1 December 2011 thru 30 November 2012
Effective 1 December 2012 = 1.7%. 884.33 x 1.017 = 899.36 for 1 December 2012 thru 30 November 2013
effective 1 December 2013 = 1.5%. 899.36 x 1.015 = 912.85. for 1 December 2013 thru 30 November 2014
Effective 1 December 2014 = 1.7%. 912.85 x 1.017 = 928.37 for 1 December 2014 thru 30 November 2015
Effective 1 December 2015 = zero. Unchanged
Your post indicates he died in 2016. As Colonel Mike mentioned, CRSC is not continued as a benefit to the surviving spouse.

If you don’t mind sharing, how do you plan to use the info you obtain regarding his CRSC if it had been approved ?

Regards,
Ron

 

[LKCivi]

I am truly sorry for not responding sooner! I did not realize that there had been any responses.

My husband passed away shortly after receiving the CRSC determination; therefore, we didn’t appeal. I didn’t even know that he had submitted for it, honestly.

The denial letter and confirmation per the AF state that he had submitted too much information when he filed and they didn’t have the manpower to go through all of it.

The CRSC contact and I have been going back-and-forth for NINE YEARS about this issue. They keep telling me that there are no survivors benefits. I am well-aware of this but I am not hoping for continuous payments - I am only seeking payment for what was owed to my husband prior to his death.

I was told that, in order to see these funds, I have to submit for a Congressional Inquiry. So, I am working with a Senator to do just that.

The reason for this post was to see if this was truly worth all of the efforts being put in by many individuals. I will NOT be using this post/thread during this process - I was only seeking the information.

When my husband passed at the beginning of July 2016, I received a letter one week later from the AF, VA, DFAS, etc expressing their condolences. In August, zero benefits were paid. I had to sell our home, cars, medical bills, etc to afford his funeral and somehow survive with our 18 month old daughter.

I was also his Caregiver. I had quit my high-paying job to care for my husband. Our daughter and I literally lost everything - but the biggest loss was her father. She deserves everything that he/she is entitled to. After all, he earned it.

 

[RonG]

Hello @LKCivi
cc: @RetiredColonel-MikeT , @Provis , @chaplaincharlie

Thank you for your reply.

Contacting your elective representative was a good move. Of course, he or she cannot order that you be paid. The senator will determine who/how this matter will receive the attention it warrants.

If your husband had been able to apply for reconsideration, that would have been the initial path. If still denied, an appeal could be submitted.

“If your request for reconsideration is also denied, you can appeal the decision.
To do this, use DD Form 149, Application for Correction of Military Record. “
This form allows you to appeal to the Board for Correction of Military Records for his respective branch of service.
When appealing a denied claim, keep in mind that clear, concise, and relevant communication is key.

I suspect the senator will come back with info about submitting a DD 149.

I wish you the best of luck.

Ron

 

[chaplaincharlie]

You asked how CRSC is calculated.


Calculating CRSC:

(1) Subtract each disability percent from 100% to obtain the remaining efficiencies

(2) Multiply the remaining efficiencies together

(3) Subtract the result from 100%

(4) Round to the nearest 10% (round up for 5% or above, down for 4% and below) to determine the combined disability rating.

Example Calculation: Assuming a retired Service member has three disability ratings of 40%, 30% and 20%, using the above formula results in a combined disability of 70%, as follows:

(1) 100% - 40%=60%; 100% - 30%=70%; and 100% - 20%=80%

(2) 60% x 70% x 80% = 34%

(3) 100% - 34% = 66%

(4) 66% rounds up to a 70% combined disability.



Disability from the VA or CRSC is alway calculated based on residuals. Hypothetically I have two disability ratings of 50%. My rating is NOT 50+50=100. It’s 50% leaving me 50% healthy + 50% of my residual health. Thus 50+25=75, which roundup to 80%.

 

[LKCivi]

You asked how CRSC is calculated.


Calculating CRSC:

(1) Subtract each disability percent from 100% to obtain the remaining efficiencies

(2) Multiply the remaining efficiencies together

(3) Subtract the result from 100%

(4) Round to the nearest 10% (round up for 5% or above, down for 4% and below) to determine the combined disability rating.

Example Calculation: Assuming a retired Service member has three disability ratings of 40%, 30% and 20%, using the above formula results in a combined disability of 70%, as follows:

(1) 100% - 40%=60%; 100% - 30%=70%; and 100% - 20%=80%

(2) 60% x 70% x 80% = 34%

(3) 100% - 34% = 66%

(4) 66% rounds up to a 70% combined disability.



Disability from the VA or CRSC is alway calculated based on residuals. Hypothetically I have two disability ratings of 50%. My rating is NOT 50+50=100. It’s 50% leaving me 50% healthy + 50% of my residual health. Thus 50+25=75, which roundup to 80%.

I think this is why I am not able to calculate it on my own. I’ll attach his VA Ratings. His PTSD and TBI were combined but it also says that PTSD is ‘competent’ w TBI. There are so many other ratings too.

 

[RonG]

Hello,

Excellent example by @chaplaincharlie

The computation of the amount payable for CRSC is separate and different, especially for a disability retiree.

Chapter 61 Disability Retirees:
Each CH 61 case involves these ceilings and other factors:

—Must be entitled to retired pay
—Agrees to waive retired pay in the amount of VA compensation received.
—CRSC cannot exceed the amount of the waived retired pay.
—CRSC cannot exceed the amount of the approved CRSC percentage (amt in VA Comp tables).
—CRSC cannot exceed the dollar amount of the longevity portion of retired pay.
—CRSC when combined with residual retired pay cannot exceed the longevity amount.

As one can see, more than one of the ceilings shown above could apply to the retiree. In those cases, the lesser amount is the CRSC amount.

In accordance with current laws and regulations, most disability retirees receive the hypothetical longevity amount as their CRSC, NOT the full percentage amount approved by the CRSC board.
Ron

 

[RetiredColonel-MikeT]

You asked how CRSC is calculated.


Calculating CRSC:

(1) Subtract each disability percent from 100% to obtain the remaining efficiencies

(2) Multiply the remaining efficiencies together

(3) Subtract the result from 100%

(4) Round to the nearest 10% (round up for 5% or above, down for 4% and below) to determine the combined disability rating.

Example Calculation: Assuming a retired Service member has three disability ratings of 40%, 30% and 20%, using the above formula results in a combined disability of 70%, as follows:

(1) 100% - 40%=60%; 100% - 30%=70%; and 100% - 20%=80%

(2) 60% x 70% x 80% = 34%

(3) 100% - 34% = 66%

(4) 66% rounds up to a 70% combined disability.



Disability from the VA or CRSC is alway calculated based on residuals. Hypothetically I have two disability ratings of 50%. My rating is NOT 50+50=100. It’s 50% leaving me 50% healthy + 50% of my residual health. Thus 50+25=75, which roundup to 80%.

I use the pizza analogy by showing how taking away 50% initially from a full pie (100%) = 50% then removing another 50% doesn't equal 0%, it equal 25% (rounding up as applicable, of course).

 

[chaplaincharlie]

I use the pizza analogy by showing how taking away 50% initially from a full pie (100%) = 50% then removing another 50% doesn't equal 0%, it equal 25% (rounding up as applicable, of course).

Great anology.

 

[chaplaincharlie]

I may have missed part of your story. What caused the TBI, the PTSD?

 

[LKCivi]

I may have missed part of your story. What caused the TBI, the PTSD?

PTSD = Firing to defend theater resulting in casualties

TBI = Thrown into building via by IED

My husband’s records indicate ‘Combat Veteran’ but his DD214 reflects nothing.

 

[chaplaincharlie]

His TBI should definitely have been approved for CRSC. PTSD is a bit tricky. How the claim is worded matters.

 

[RetiredColonel-MikeT]

Were there any combat-related awards issued such as Combat Infantry Badge/Combat Action Badge/Combat Medic Badge/Purple Heart/Bronze Star/Silver Star etc that you are aware of?