Veterans with a 50% VA disability rating or higher become eligible for Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP), allowing them to receive both full military retirement pay and VA disability benefits without the usual offset. This eligibility tied to a 50% VA rating marks a key financial turning point, ensuring more monthly income and automatic enrollment once criteria are met. CRDP does not require an application and is separate from combat-related compensation programs..
Let’s get real about 50% VA Disability and Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)
If you’re still early in your VA claim journey, that 50% number might feel random. But it’s a tipping point—literally. Because before 50%, most retirees lose part of their retirement check to get their VA pay. It’s called an “offset” and yeah, it sucks.
But once that VA rating hits 50%… boom—it flips.
This is where Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) kicks in. It’s the game changer you’ve been waiting for. Now you’re allowed to get your retirement pay AND the VA disability check in full. No more offset robbing Peter to pay Paul.
So, how do you rate?
Think of this like checking your eligibility at the door before someone lets you in the club. Here’s what matters:
- You must be a military retiree (yes, the 20-year club or a medically retired veteran)
- You must have a rated VA disability of 50% or higher
- Your retirement must be from active duty, reserve, or Guard (with enough qualifying service)
If all three are boxes you can check, CRDP is yours.
And if you’re not at 50% yet? It’s go time. Appeal, submit that supplemental claim, fight for a re-evaluation if needed. Because those few extra points can mean thousands annually. No exaggeration.
What does CRDP actually do?
Let me say this straight: CRDP gives you more money.
VA disability pay is tax-free. What you used to sacrifice in retirement pay to get that tax-free chunk? Gone if you’re at 50% or higher.
So let’s say your retirement check is $2,000 a month. Your VA disability amount is $1,000 (at 50% rating).
Before CRDP? DFAS would take $1,000 away from your retirement check and sub it out with the VA money. You’d still get $2,000, just made up of both retirement and disability—but you only truly “gained” the tax break.
With CRDP? They stop messing with your retirement pay. You get your full military retirement check plus the full VA disability money. That’s $3,000 total every month. Clean. No offset. No funny math.
Real talk: This system isn’t perfect
You and I both know bureaucracy never moves quickly. If you just hit the 50% VA rating—or you just retired—don’t be shocked if it takes a bit for the CRDP to kick in.
You could be owed some back pay. Watch your mail. Check your DFAS myPay account. The transition can take 2-3 months. But the retroactive deposit? That’s a good day at the mailbox.
Also worth noting—CRDP is automatic. You don’t apply for it. You don’t have to submit a mountain of paperwork. Once your info is synced between the VA and DFAS, it’s on.
50% VA Disability and Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP): What else should you know?
Look, there’s no CRDP without a military pension. That’s the cornerstone.
If you didn’t retire with qualifying military service (those sweet 20 years, early retirement under TERA, or medical retirement under Chapter 61), VA pay is all you’re getting.
That’s why it stings for some Reservists or Guard folks who don’t have that 20-year retirement. They might have a 70% VA rating but no retirement pay. So no CRDP, sadly.
How do Reservists figure into this?
This one trips people up:
- If you’re a Reserve/National Guard retiree and hit 20 years—but don’t get your retirement pay until age 60—you won’t see CRDP until age 60 either. Even if your VA rating is 100% earlier than that. Harsh, I know.
This is a waiting game. But when that retirement pay kicks in, you’ll get the full combo through CRDP.
What CRDP doesn’t cover: Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)
Hang with me here—because some folks confuse CRDP and CRSC, and they’re not interchangeable.
CRSC is for disabilities that are combat-related. That means your VA claim is tied to stuff like injuries in combat, training for combat, or hazardous service.
It lets you recover that offset too, even if you’re under 50%. But CRSC isn’t automatic. You’ve got to apply, document all your combat links, and make your case.
Here’s the twist: you can’t double-dip. It’s either CRDP or CRSC. Not both. DFAS will pay out whichever gives you more $$.
I’ll explain more on CRDP vs. CRSC in part 2.
Here’s what to watch for each month
- Look at your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) or your Retiree Account Statement (RAS)
- Check the VA Compensation field on your DFAS statements. Is it there? Is it full?
- Compare to your VA payment deposits. Know your numbers—mistakes, while rare, do happen
Your awareness of how 50% VA Disability and Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) sync up can keep more cash in your pocket. You earned that. Literally.
FAQs
1. Do I need to apply for CRDP?
Nope. It’s automatic. Once DFAS sees your 50% VA rating and confirms your retirement status, the CRDP kicks in on its own.
2. What happens before I hit 50%?
Before that, the “VA offset” applies. DFAS subtracts your VA disability amount from your retirement pay, dollar for dollar. You essentially don’t gain extra cash—just a little tax savings.
3. What about if I get CRSC later?
DFAS can switch you from CRDP to CRSC—whichever offers the bigger payout. They don’t combine. No double-dipping.
4. Does CRDP impact my taxes?
Your retirement pay is taxable. Your VA disability isn’t. CRDP doesn’t change that—it just lets you keep both payments. You still report your retirement income come tax time.
5. Can I check my CRDP status online?
Absolutely—log onto myPay or check your paper RAS. You’ll see line items for VA waiver and CRDP amounts.
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The Bottom Line on 50% VA Disability and CRDP
Hitting that 50% VA disability rating isn’t just another number—it’s the key that unlocks full access to both your military retirement pay and your VA disability benefits, thanks to Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP). No more offsets, no more financial juggling. CRDP is automatic, tax-smart, and puts real money back in your pocket every month.
If you’ve earned the retirement and hit that 50% mark, you’re in. And if you’re not there yet? It might be time to fight for every percent—because with CRDP, it pays off.