Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Widows – Don’t Lose Hope
(This is not legal advice but a general summary-Do not rely on this post for benefits as timely and accurate filing matters.) Department of Veterans Affairs Dependents Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for Those Left Behind — It includes children, parents and spouses If you are a survivor of a Veteran who died from a service-related… Read More »
Supreme Court Expands CRSC Access by Overruling Six-Year Limit on Backpay
In a landmark June 2025 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in Soto v. United States that military retirees who qualify for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) are not limited to six years of retroactive payments, reversing the federal government’s longstanding interpretation of the Barring Act. The Issue at Hand Simon Soto, a former… Read More »
COMBAT RELATED SPECIAL COMPENSATION – SO FAR, NO CHANGE
SOTO SUPREME COURT DECISION (2025) To cut to the chase, CRSC is alive and well and the eligibility criteria have not changed. Next thing you know the “Supremes,” as lawyers sometimes call them, will be ruling on MEBs, PEBs, LODs and IDES. Despite the Soto decision, applicants still have to apply and your… Read More »
New DoD Guidance Offers Hope to Service Members Discharged Over COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal
On May 7, 2025, the Department of Defense (DoD) issued critical guidance to its Discharge Review Boards (DRBs) and Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records (BCM/NRs), paving the way for former Service members to repair their military records and potentially return to service following discharges related to COVID-19 vaccine refusal. This action stems from… Read More »
United States Air Force Offers Reinstatement for Members Discharged Over COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal
In a significant move to correct the record and restore the careers of those affected by the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, the Department of the Air Force has announced that service members who were involuntarily separated solely for refusing the vaccine will now have a pathway to reinstatement. The Army, Marines, Coast Guard, Navy, National… Read More »
Who Qualifies for NJ Veterans Criminal Diversion
NJ Disapproved Treatment Courts Whether they are called Treatment Court or Diversion, it doesn’t much matter. The point is that most Veterans benefit from military service but some may face unique challenges after their service, including mental health issues and substance abuse. When such issues contribute to criminal behavior, veterans may be eligible for… Read More »
Thomas Roughneen Co-Authors Article on New Jersey’s Veterans Diversion Program
Thomas Roughneen Co-Authors Article on New Jersey’s Veterans Diversion Program
Refusers of Phony Injection Get Justice – The Devil Is In the Details Though
By Presidential Executive Order, those military members forced out are to be reinstated. For many it is too little, too late. This medical tyranny caused unnecessary suffering as a result of moronic SECDEF Lloyd Austin and the Biden tyranny upon serving military members, many of whom had served in combat zones. This affected a… Read More »
Confusing even for this retired Lieutenant Colonel JAG – How to Calculate CRSC
CRSC Eligibility Under the PACT Act: What Veterans Need to Know Receiving Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) can provide a crucial financial benefit for Veterans by allowing them to receive both their full VA compensation and tax-free military pension without an offset. However, establishing CRSC eligibility can be complex, and recent changes under the PACT… Read More »
Great IDES Win (So far)
Vietnam Veteran’s Voluntary Separation In 1978 Was Deemed Legally Insufficient – He Should Have Been Processed Through The Disability Evaluation System Prior To Discharge (Chapter 61 along with numerous Sections of the Code) If you were recently deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Uzbekistan or some other hell hole, and even if you… Read More »
