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The DD Form 2860 is a crucial document for military retirees seeking Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). This form serves as the official claim submission, allowing eligible veterans to receive financial benefits for disabilities incurred as a result of combat-related activities. It is essential to understand that the form is designed not only to collect personal information but also to gather detailed evidence supporting the claim. Retirees must provide comprehensive documentation, including service history, disability descriptions, and any relevant medical records. Completing the form accurately is vital; any missing information could lead to delays or denial of the claim. The form is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of the claim process, such as personal identification, preliminary eligibility questions, and specific details about the disabilities being claimed. Additionally, the form emphasizes the importance of providing supporting documents to verify the combat-related nature of the claimed disabilities. By following the guidelines outlined in the DD Form 2860, retirees can effectively navigate the claims process and work towards securing the benefits they rightfully deserve.

Preview - Dd 2860 Form

CLAIM FOR COMBAT-RELATED SPECIAL COMPENSATION (CRSC)

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT

AUTHORITY: 10 U.S. Code Section 1413a; DoD Financial Management Regulation, Volume 7B Chapter 63; and E.O. 9397 (SSN).

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE(S): Used by a military retiree to submit a claim through the appropriate uniformed service for Combat- Related Special Compensation (CRSC). Claim is reviewed to determine eligibility for benefits, and determine the amount and effective dates of payment.

ROUTINE USE(S): Information is provided to individuals authorized to receive retired and annuitant payments on behalf of retirees or annuitants.

DISCLOSURE: Voluntary; however, failure to provide any required information may result in member not being considered eligible for CRSC.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Complete this form carefully and accurately.

To submit a valid claim you must complete the ENTIRE FORM and SIGN IT IN SECTION VI (bottom of Page 3). Unsigned claim

forms will not be processed.

Complete and submit this form (pages 1 - 3 ONLY) to apply for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). Print, type, or use a computer and provide the best information available. If you do not know the answer, enter "Don't Know" or "DK". Do not leave any

item blank. You must identify the disabilities that you are claiming.

It is your responsibility to provide supporting documents from personal or government records, so make sure you supply all documentation necessary to verify this claim.

If you need assistance completing this form, consult with the agency from which you retired (or another agency, as appropriate).

Army: http://www.crsc.army.mil/

Navy & Marine Corps: http://www.hq.navy.mil/corb/crscb/combatrelated.htm

Air Force: http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil

DoD: http://www.defenselink.mil/prhome/crsc.html

DFAS: http://www.dod.mil/dfas/retiredpay/combat-relatedspecialcompensationcrsc.html

Coast Guard: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cgpc/adm/adm1.htm

Sign and date your claim. Enclose with your claim a clean legible copy of any supporting documents listed on page 3. Mail your claim to the address listed below for the Uniformed Service from which you retired.

DO NOT SEND ANY ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS, AS THEY WILL NOT BE RETURNED.

Send your claim to the address listed below for the Uniformed Service from which you retired.

ARMY:

 

COAST GUARD:

 

 

Department of the Army

 

Commander (PSC-PSD-de)

 

 

Army Human Resources Command

 

Personnel Service Center

 

 

ATTN: AHRC-PDP-V

 

U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7200

 

 

1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Dept. 480

 

4200 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1100

 

 

Fort Knox, KY 40122

 

Arlington, VA 20598-7200

 

 

eFAX 1-502-613-9550

 

 

 

 

NAVY AND MARINE CORPS:

 

NOAA CORPS:

 

 

Secretary of the Navy

 

Director, Commissioned Personnel Center

 

 

Council of Review Boards

 

8403 Colesville Road, Suite 500

 

 

ATTN: Combat Related Special Compensation Branch

Silver Spring, MD 20910-6333

 

 

720 Kennon Street SE, Suite 309

 

 

 

 

Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5023

 

 

 

 

AIR FORCE:

 

PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE:

 

 

United States Air Force

 

United States Public Health Service

 

 

Disability Division (CRSC)

 

Compensation Branch

 

 

HQ AFPC/DPPDC

 

Program Support Center, ESS

 

 

550 C Street West, Suite 6

 

5600 Fishers Lane, Room 4-50

 

 

Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4708

 

Rockville, MD 20857-0001

 

 

 

 

 

 

DD FORM 2860, JUL 2011

PREVIOUS EDITION IS OBSOLETE.

General Purpose Sheet

 

DO NOT MAIL THIS PAGE.

Adobe Designer 8.0

CLAIM FOR COMBAT-RELATED SPECIAL COMPENSATION (CRSC)

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION I - PERSONAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial)

 

 

7. MAILING ADDRESS

 

 

 

 

a. STREET (Include apartment number or P.O. Box)

 

 

 

 

 

2. SOCIAL SECURITY OR

3. RETIRED RANK/RATE

 

 

EMPLOYEE ID NUMBER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. DATE OF BIRTH (YYYYMMDD)

5. TELEPHONE (Include area code)

b. CITY

c. STATE

6. E-MAIL ADDRESS

d. ZIP CODE

SECTION II - PRELIMINARY REQUIREMENTS

8. MARK (X) NEXT TO THE APPROPRIATE ANSWER FOR EACH QUESTION.

QUALIFICATION BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2008

 

a. Were you entitled to retired pay for regular service, having completed at least 20 years of service prior to

YES

NO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 1, 2008?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OR

YES

NO

 

 

b. Were you entitled to retired pay for reserve service, having completed at least 20 years of combined active

 

 

 

 

 

and reserve service and having reached age 60 prior to January 1, 2008?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OR

YES

NO

 

 

 

 

 

c. Were you entitled to retired pay for reserve service under the Reserve TERA program having completed at

 

 

 

 

 

least 15 but less than 20 years of combined active and reserve service and having reached age 60 prior to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 1, 2008?

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: You must provide proof of the retirement authority by attaching a copy of your Retirement Orders and/

 

 

 

 

 

or a copy of your 15 year letter. Evidence must clearly state that you were a reservist and you retired under

 

 

 

 

 

Section 12731a of title 10, United States Code.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUALIFICATION ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

YES

NO

 

 

 

d. Are you currently entitled to military retired pay for any reason, other than early reserve retirement for

 

 

 

 

 

physical disabilities not incurred in line of duty (i.e., other than section 12731b of title 10, United States

 

 

 

 

 

Code?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: If you answered NO to all questions a through d above, you are not eligible for CRSC.

SECTION III - SERVICE HISTORY

You must provide copies of evidence needed to verify this information (i.e., DD214's, awards, evaluations, etc.).

9.FROM WHICH SERVICE DID YOU RETIRE? Provide a copy of your retirement orders or "retirement" DD214. To expedite this claim it is important that you mail your claim to the service you retired from.

ARMY

NAVY/USMC

AIR FORCE

 

 

 

NOAA CORPS

COAST GUARD

PUBLIC HEALTH

 

 

 

10.DID YOU SERVE IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING WARS OR COMBAT OPERATIONS? (X all that apply) (Provide a copy of a DD214/award citation or any other evidence that verifies ANY combat service.)

WWI

WWII

KOREAN

WAR

VIETNAM

GULF WAR

OIF/OEF

OTHER (e.g., a SF Ops mission - explain where and when and provide evidence.)

11. WERE YOU EVER A PRISONER OF WAR (POW)?

If YES, indicate Where/When/How long (Provide any official evidence available):

YES

NO

 

 

DD FORM 2860, JUL 2011

Page 1

CLAIM FOR COMBAT-RELATED SPECIAL COMPENSATION (CRSC)

NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial)

SOCIAL SECURITY OR EMPLOYEE ID NUMBER

NOTE: To ensure the review of all of your requested disabilities, limit ONE disability for each page. You are authorized to make additional copies of this page for any additional disabilities. You may list any secondary conditions that are connected to a disability on the bottom of the sheet that it has been connected to. In order to award any disability as secondary we must have a copy of the evidence from VA or from your medical records which clearly states that the condition is the result of the primary condition you are requesting. Good evidence could include a VA rating decision that clearly states (for example), "hypertension is secondary to diabetes."

It is your responsibility to supply any evidence necessary to verify this disability is combat-related.

SECTION IV - REQUEST FOR COMBAT-RELATEDNESS DETERMINATION

12. VA FILE NUMBER (If known)

13. DISABILITY DESCRIPTION

 

 

 

 

a. TITLE OF DISABILITY (As written on the VA rating decision.)

 

b. BODY PART AFFECTED. (e.g., right knee)

 

 

 

 

 

c. VA DISABILITY CODE (If known)

d. DATE AWARDED BY VA

e. INITIAL RATING % BY THE VA

f. CURRENT RATING % BY

 

(YYYYMMDD)

 

 

THE VA

 

 

 

 

 

g. COMBAT-RELATED CODE (Mark (X) the code that best describes what caused the disability.) (See Appendix A for code descriptions.)

PH

AC

HS

SW

IN

AO

RE

GW or MG

PURPLE

ARMED

HAZARDOUS

SIMULATING

INSTRUMENT

AGENT

RADIATION

GULF WAR or

HEART

CONFLICT

SERVICE

WAR

OF WAR

ORANGE

 

MUSTARD GAS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

h. UNIT OF ASSIGNMENT WHEN INJURED

 

i. LOCATION/AREA OF ASSIGNMENT WHEN INJURED

j.IN YOUR OWN WORDS, DESCRIBE THE EVENTS SURROUNDING THE DISABILITY AND HOW IT MEETS THE GUIDELINES OF COMBAT- RELATED.

k. DID YOU RECEIVE A PURPLE HEART (PH) FOR THIS INJURY? If YES, attach documentation to verify that you were awarded a PH and any evidence that proves what occurred or what body part was injured.

NOTE: Proof of being awarded a PH does not always allow us to award a disability as PH. We need to know what the PH was awarded for. For example, send the medevac report and DD214.

l.DID VA EVER DOCUMENT THAT THIS CONDITION CAUSED SECONDARY DISABILITIES? If YES, you must provide evidence from VA or your medical records which state that the conditions listed in item 13.m., below, are indeed caused by the primary condition listed above. We cannot award any condition as secondary without evidence to support the claim. Attach the VA rating decision for all secondary conditions.

NOTE: If YES, list all secondary conditions in item 13.m., below.

YES

NO

N/A

YES

NO

m. VA DETERMINED THAT THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE SECONDARY CONDITIONS TO THE PRIMARY DISABILITY (Listed in item 13.a., above).

(1)DISABILITY CODE

(2) DESCRIPTION

(3)% AWARDED BY VA

(4)DATE AWARDED (YYYYMMDD)

DD FORM 2860, JUL 2011

Page 2 - Sheet

 

of

 

 

 

CLAIM FOR COMBAT-RELATED SPECIAL COMPENSATION (CRSC)

NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial)

SOCIAL SECURITY OR EMPLOYEE ID NUMBER

SECTION V - REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

14.In order to process your claim the following records (if applicable) must be submitted with this claim. Do not send ANY original documents - COPIES only!

a.All DD214's and DD215's (especially if for retirement or showing combat ribbons).

b.Retirement orders and supporting documents.

c.Reserve Retirement point computation including any 15-year or 20-year letter (if applicable).

d.Copies of ALL VA Rating Decisions, letters, and code sheets (current and prior). Do NOT remove any pages. All VA documents discussing changes in benefits including Special Monthly Compensation (SCM) and/or Individual Unemployability (IU).

e.Medical records or notes that verify how the injury/disability occurred. (Do NOT send EKGs, lab slips, CDs, diskettes or other electronic media.)

f.Physical Evaluation Board (MEB-PEB) results and/or summaries.

g.Any evidence which can be used to verify the events or circumstances.

SECTION VI - CERTIFICATION AND WAIVER OF CONCURRENT RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY PAYMENTS (CRDP)

15.Complete this section to enable the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) or the applicable pay center for non-DoD retirees to make any CRSC payments you qualify to receive.

a.I understand that if I am eligible for both Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments (CRDP) under 10 U.S.C., section

1414 and Special Compensation for Certain Combat-Related Disabled Uniformed Service Retirees under 10 U.S.C., section 1413a (CRSC), I may not receive both, but must elect which to receive.

b.I understand that if my election results in any retroactive payments, any previously paid amounts of CRDP, SCSD, or CRSC for that period of time will be deducted from any amount due for that period.

c.Under penalties of perjury, the information provided above is true to the best of my knowledge and belief and provided with the full knowledge of the penalties for making false statements (18 U.S.C. 287 and 1001 provide for a penalty of not more than $10,000 fine, or 5 years in prison, or both; 31 U.S.C. 3279 provides civil penalties; and 31 U.S.C. 3802 provides administrative penalties).

d.I hereby understand that payments will be deposited to my account of record for Uniformed Services retired pay if I amcurrently receiving such payments. Otherwise, they will be made to the account of record for my VA disability compensation. After payments begin, I must advise DFAS or the applicable non-DoD pay center of any changes to my account.

e. SIGNATURE

f. DATE SIGNED (YYYYMMDD)

DD FORM 2860, JUL 2011

Page 3

APPENDIX A - COMBAT-RELATED CODES

PURPLE HEART (PH) - The disability resulted from an injury for which you were awarded the Purple Heart. Evidence should clearly show that the injury was associated with an incident involving armed conflict, such as shrapnel wounds due to a mortar attack. Documentation must include a copy of the Purple Heart citation and DD Form 214 reflecting the award and injury, or the Purple Heart citation, and excerpts from the Service Medical Record that correspond to the date and document the treatment of the Purple Heart injury.

DIRECT RESULT OF ARMED CONFLICT (AC) - The disability was incurred in the line of duty as a direct result of armed conflict. The fact that a member incurred the disability during a period of war or an area of armed conflict or while participating in combat operations is not sufficient by itself to support a combat-related determination. There must be a definite, documented, causal relationship between the armed conflict and the resulting disability. Armed conflict includes a war, expedition, occupation of an area or territory, battle, skirmish, raid, invasion, rebellion, insurrection, guerrilla action, riot, or any other action in which Service members are engaged with a hostile or belligerent nation, faction, force, or terrorists. Armed conflict may also include such situations as incidents involving a member whileinterned as a prisoner of war or while detained against his or her will in custody of a hostile or belligerent force or while escaping or attempting to escape from such confinement, prisoner of war, or detained status.

IN THE PERFORMANCE OF DUTY UNDER CONDITIONS SIMULATING WAR (SW). - The disability was incurred in the line of duty as a result of simulating armed conflict. The fact that a member incurred the disability during a period of simulating war or in an area of simulated armed conflict or while participating in simulated combat operations is not sufficient by itself to support a combat-related determination. There must be a definite, documented, causal relationship between the simulated armed conflict and the resulting disability. In general, this covers disabilities resulting from simulated combat activity during military training, such as war games, practice alerts, tactical exercises, airborne operations, grenade and live fire weapons practice, bayonet training, hand-to-hand combat training, rappelling, and negotiation of combat confidence and obstacle courses while in full combat gear. Physical training activities such as calisthenics and jogging or formation running and supervised sports activities are not included.

WHILE ENGAGED IN HAZARDOUS SERVICE (HS) - The disability was incurred during performance of duties that present a higher degree of danger to Service personnel due to the level of exposure to actual or simulated armed conflict. The fact that a member incurred the disability during a period of hazardous service is not sufficient by itself to support a combat-related determination. There must be a definite, documented, causal relationship between the hazardous service and the resulting disability. Such service includes, but is not limited to, aerial flight, parachute duty, demolition duty, experimental stress duty, diving duty, and rescue missions.

INSTRUMENTALITY OF WAR (IN) - The disability was incurred in the line of duty as a result of an instrumentality of war. An instrumentality of war is a vehicle, vessel, or device designed primarily for Military Service and intended for use in such Service at the time of the occurrence or injury. Incurrence during an actual period of war is not required; however, there must be a direct, documented, causalrelationship between the instrumentality of war and the resulting disability. The disability must be incurred incident to a hazard or risk of service and be caused by the device itself. Instrumentalities not designed primarily for Military Service if use of, or occurrence involving, such instrumentality subjects the individual to a hazard peculiar to Military Service, are included. Such use or occurrence differs from the use or occurrence under similar circumstances in civilian pursuits. An example of this would be injuries sustained while engaging in pugil stick training using a broomstick, where the broomstick replaces the weapon and causes the injury. A determination that a disability is the result of an instrumentality of war may be made if the disability was incurred in any period of service as a result of such diverse causes as wounds caused by a military weapon, accidents involving a military combat vehicle, injury or sickness caused by fumes, gases, or explosion of military ordnance, vehicles, or material. For example, if a member is on a field exercise and is engaged in sporting activity and falls and strikes an armored vehicle, the injury will not be considered to result from the instrumentality of war (armored vehicle) because it was the sporting activity that was the cause of the injury, not the vehicle. On the other hand, if the individual was engaged in the same sporting activity and the armored vehicle struck the member, the injury would be considered the result of an instrumentality of war.

AGENT ORANGE (AO) - The disability was incurred as a result of Agent Orange exposure (herbicides). For these disabilities to be considered combat related, they must be specifically granted by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as presumptive to Agent Orange exposure (herbicides). For consideration, the initial VA Rating Decision for the claimed disability must show not just Service connection, but the specific causes of the condition; such as, member has Diabetes due to Agent Orange exposure (herbicides). In addition, for secondary conditions to be granted as combat related, they must be specifically granted by the VA as secondary to the Agent Orangecondition; such as, member's Hypertension is secondary to Agent Orange Diabetes. If the conditions were diagnosed after Vietnam serviceand prior to retirement, evidence must show the date of diagnosis and proof of Vietnam service. Proof of Vietnam service can include but is not limited to service medical records, evaluations, decoration citations, travel vouchers or PCS orders.

RADIATION EXPOSURE (RE) - The disability was incurred as a result of combat-related radiation exposure. Combat-related radiation exposure includes documented, onsite participation in a test involving the atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device; the occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki, Japan, by the United States forces during the period beginning on August 6, 1945, and ending on July 1, 1946; internment as a prisoner of war in Japan during World War II; or service in Paducah, Kentucky, Portsmouth, Ohio; or the area identified as K25 at Oak Ridge, Tennessee for at least 250 days before February 1, 1992.

GULF WAR (GW), MUSTARD GAS OR LEWISITE (MG) - These codes relate to disabilities awarded by the VA on the basis of presumption relating to service in the Persian Gulf War or exposure to Mustard Gas or Lewisite, even though there is no direct connection and the disability did not occur immediately. For consideration, the initial VA Rating Decision for the claimed disability must show notjust Service connection, but the specific cause of the condition, such as, member has developed Fibromyalgia from service in the Persian Gulf War. Documentation should also describe the place, period, and conditions of exposure. In addition, for secondary conditions to be granted as combat-related, they must be specifically granted by the VA as secondary to the condition developed from service in the Persian Gulf War or exposure to Mustard Gas or Lewisite; such as, member's Scars are secondary to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder from exposure to Mustard Gas.

DD FORM 2860, JUL 2011

DO NOT MAIL THIS PAGE.

Appendix A

Document Specifics

Fact Name Fact Description
Authority The DD Form 2860 is authorized under 10 U.S. Code Section 1413a, the DoD Financial Management Regulation, Volume 7B Chapter 63, and Executive Order 9397 (SSN).
Principal Purpose This form is used by military retirees to submit a claim for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) through their respective uniformed service.
Routine Use Information provided on this form is shared with authorized individuals responsible for processing retired and annuitant payments on behalf of retirees.
Disclosure Completion of the form is voluntary, but failure to provide required information may result in ineligibility for CRSC.
Submission Instructions The form must be completed in its entirety and signed in Section VI. Unsigned forms will not be processed.
State-Specific Forms Each branch of service has specific submission addresses: Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Public Health Service. Ensure to send claims to the appropriate address based on service branch.

Dd 2860: Usage Instruction

Completing the DD Form 2860 is essential for military retirees seeking to claim Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). This form requires careful attention to detail and the inclusion of supporting documentation. Follow the steps outlined below to ensure that your claim is submitted correctly.

  1. Section I - Personal Information: Fill in your name, Social Security or Employee ID number, date of birth, telephone number, email address, and mailing address.
  2. Section II - Preliminary Requirements: Answer the questions regarding your eligibility based on your retirement status before or after January 1, 2008. Mark "YES" or "NO" as appropriate.
  3. Section III - Service History: Indicate from which service you retired. Attach copies of your retirement orders or DD214. List any wars or combat operations you participated in, providing evidence where applicable.
  4. Section IV - Request for Combat-Relatedness Determination: Provide detailed information about your disabilities. Include the title, affected body part, VA disability code, date awarded, initial and current rating percentages, and a description of how the disability is combat-related.
  5. Section V - Required Documentation: Gather and attach all necessary documents, including DD214s, retirement orders, VA rating decisions, and medical records. Ensure that you only send copies, not originals.
  6. Section VI - Certification and Waiver: Read the certification statement carefully. Sign and date the form to confirm that the information is accurate and that you understand the implications of your claim.

Once you have completed the form and gathered all required documentation, mail your claim to the appropriate address for the Uniformed Service from which you retired. Ensure that you keep copies of everything for your records. The processing of your claim will begin once it is received by the relevant service branch.

Learn More on Dd 2860

What is the purpose of the DD 2860 form?

The DD 2860 form is used by military retirees to submit a claim for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). This form allows retirees to request benefits based on disabilities that are combat-related. The information provided is reviewed to determine eligibility for benefits, the amount of compensation, and the effective dates of payment. It is essential to complete the form accurately and submit all required documentation to ensure proper processing of the claim.

Who is eligible to submit a claim using the DD 2860 form?

Eligibility for submitting a claim using the DD 2860 form is generally limited to military retirees who have completed at least 20 years of service prior to January 1, 2008, or those who are currently entitled to military retired pay for any reason. Specific criteria include:

  1. Retired pay for regular service with at least 20 years of service before January 1, 2008.
  2. Retired pay for reserve service with at least 20 years of combined active and reserve service, reaching age 60 before January 1, 2008.
  3. Retired pay under the Reserve TERA program, having completed between 15 and 20 years of service and reached age 60 before January 1, 2008.

If a retiree does not meet these criteria, they will not be eligible for CRSC.

What supporting documents are required when submitting the DD 2860 form?

When submitting the DD 2860 form, it is crucial to include specific supporting documents to verify the claim. Required documents may include:

  • All DD214s and DD215s, especially those showing retirement or combat ribbons.
  • Retirement orders and any supporting documents.
  • VA Rating Decisions and letters related to the claimed disabilities.
  • Medical records that verify how the injury or disability occurred.
  • Any other evidence that can substantiate the claim, such as service medical records or award citations.

It is important to send only copies of documents, as original documents will not be returned.

How should the DD 2860 form be submitted?

The completed DD 2860 form should be submitted by mail to the appropriate address for the Uniformed Service from which the retiree retired. It is essential to ensure that the entire form is filled out and signed in Section VI. Unsigned forms will not be processed. Additionally, retirees should avoid sending original documents; only clear, legible copies should be included. If assistance is needed in completing the form, retirees can consult with the agency from which they retired or other appropriate agencies.

Common mistakes

Filling out the DD 2860 form can be a straightforward process, but many individuals make common mistakes that can delay their claims for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). One frequent error is leaving sections blank. Each item on the form requires a response, even if the answer is "Don't Know" or "DK." Omitting information can lead to the claim being deemed incomplete, which may result in a denial or further delays in processing.

Another mistake involves failing to sign the form. The DD 2860 clearly states that it must be signed in Section VI. An unsigned form will not be processed, regardless of how accurately the rest of the information is filled out. This oversight can be easily avoided by double-checking that all required signatures are in place before submission.

Many claimants also neglect to provide necessary supporting documents. The form specifies that copies of various records, such as DD214s and retirement orders, must accompany the claim. Without these documents, the review process may stall, and the claim may be rejected outright. It is essential to gather all required documentation before mailing the form to ensure a smooth submission.

Another common error is misidentifying the disabilities being claimed. The form requires clear identification of the disabilities and their connection to military service. Claimants should take care to provide detailed descriptions and supporting evidence for each disability. Failing to establish this connection can lead to a denial of the claim.

Finally, some individuals mistakenly send original documents instead of copies. The instructions explicitly state not to send original documents, as they will not be returned. This mistake can result in the loss of important records. Always make copies of any documents before submission to avoid this issue.

Documents used along the form

The DD Form 2860 is a crucial document for military retirees seeking Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). When submitting this form, various supporting documents may also be required to substantiate the claim. Below is a list of other forms and documents that are often used in conjunction with the DD Form 2860.

  • DD Form 214: This form provides a summary of a service member's military service, including dates of service, awards, and discharge status. It is essential for verifying eligibility for CRSC.
  • DD Form 215: An amendment to the DD Form 214, this document corrects or adds information to the original DD Form 214. It may be needed if there are discrepancies in service records.
  • VA Rating Decision: This document outlines the Department of Veterans Affairs' determination regarding a veteran's disability rating. It is critical for establishing the extent of disabilities claimed for CRSC.
  • Retirement Orders: These orders officially document a service member's retirement from military service. They are necessary to confirm the retirement status required for CRSC eligibility.
  • Medical Records: Relevant medical documentation that verifies the existence and nature of the claimed disabilities. These records support the assertion that the disabilities are combat-related.
  • Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) Results: This document provides findings from a medical evaluation that assesses a service member's fitness for duty. It may be used to support claims regarding service-related disabilities.
  • Reserve Retirement Point Computation: This document details the service points accrued by reservists towards retirement. It is important for those who retired from reserve service to establish eligibility for CRSC.
  • Supporting Evidence for Secondary Conditions: Documentation that shows how secondary conditions relate to the primary disability. This may include additional VA rating decisions or medical opinions.

In summary, when filing a claim for Combat-Related Special Compensation using the DD Form 2860, it is essential to include various supporting documents. These documents not only validate the claim but also assist in determining eligibility and the amount of compensation. Properly compiling and submitting these forms can significantly impact the outcome of the claim process.

Similar forms

The DD Form 214 is a document similar to the DD Form 2860, as both are essential for military retirees. The DD Form 214, also known as the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, provides a comprehensive summary of a service member's military career. It includes information such as the duration of service, awards received, and the nature of discharge. Like the DD Form 2860, the DD Form 214 is crucial in determining eligibility for various benefits, including retirement and disability compensation. Accurate completion and submission of this form can significantly impact a veteran's ability to access these benefits.

The VA Form 21-526EZ is another document that shares similarities with the DD Form 2860. This form is used to apply for disability compensation and related benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Both forms require the applicant to provide detailed information about disabilities and service history. The VA Form 21-526EZ focuses specifically on establishing a service connection for disabilities, while the DD Form 2860 is centered on claiming Combat-Related Special Compensation. Both forms necessitate supporting documentation to substantiate the claims made by the applicant.

The VA Form 21-4138, also known as the Statement in Support of Claim, is comparable to the DD Form 2860 in that it allows veterans to provide additional information to support their claims. This form is often used in conjunction with other applications, such as the VA Form 21-526EZ, to clarify or elaborate on specific aspects of a claim. Like the DD Form 2860, the VA Form 21-4138 requires a clear articulation of the circumstances surrounding the claimed disabilities, ensuring that the veteran's narrative is well-documented and persuasive.

Finally, the DD Form 149, Application for Correction of Military Record, is similar to the DD Form 2860 in that it addresses issues related to military service records. This form allows veterans to request corrections to their military records, which can be critical for ensuring accurate representation of service history and disability status. Both forms play a role in the broader context of military benefits, as corrections to a veteran's record may affect eligibility for compensation and other benefits. Accurate and timely submissions of these forms can significantly influence the outcomes of veterans' claims.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the DD 2860 form for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC), it's crucial to approach the task with care. Here are some important dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

  • Do complete the entire form accurately and thoroughly.
  • Do sign and date your claim in Section VI.
  • Do provide clear and legible copies of all supporting documents.
  • Do enter "Don't Know" or "DK" if you are unsure of an answer.
  • Do identify all disabilities you are claiming.
  • Don't leave any item blank; every question must be answered.
  • Don't send original documents; only copies should be submitted.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your claim is processed smoothly and efficiently. Attention to detail can make a significant difference in the outcome of your application.

Misconceptions

Understanding the DD Form 2860, which is used for claims related to Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC), can be challenging. Several misconceptions often arise regarding this form. Here are six common misunderstandings:

  • Misconception 1: The DD Form 2860 is only for veterans with combat injuries.
  • This form is not limited to those with combat injuries. It is intended for any military retiree seeking compensation for disabilities related to combat, including those resulting from training or hazardous service.

  • Misconception 2: Completing the form is optional.
  • While submitting the form is voluntary, failure to provide required information may lead to ineligibility for CRSC. Completing the form accurately is crucial for consideration.

  • Misconception 3: You can leave items blank if you do not know the answer.
  • Every item on the form must be completed. If you do not know the answer, you should write "Don't Know" or "DK" instead of leaving it blank.

  • Misconception 4: You do not need to provide supporting documents.
  • It is essential to include supporting documents to verify your claim. This may include DD214s, retirement orders, or medical records that substantiate your disability.

  • Misconception 5: The form can be submitted without a signature.
  • Unsigned forms will not be processed. You must sign and date the form in Section VI to ensure it is valid.

  • Misconception 6: Original documents should be sent with the claim.
  • Only copies of documents should be submitted. Original documents will not be returned, so it is important to keep them for your records.

Key takeaways

Key Takeaways for Filling Out and Using the DD 2860 Form:

  • Ensure that you complete the entire form accurately. An incomplete form will not be processed, and you must sign it in Section VI.
  • Gather all necessary supporting documents before submitting your claim. This includes DD214s, retirement orders, and any medical records that verify your disabilities.
  • Submit only copies of documents, as original documents will not be returned. Be mindful of the mailing address for your specific service branch.
  • If you need assistance, reach out to the agency from which you retired. They can provide guidance on completing the form and submitting your claim.