Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) for Chapter 61 Retirees

When you’re dealing with a medical discharge, the process can feel overwhelming—especially when the outcome impacts your career, finances, or future.

Recently, several clients with over 20 years of active federal service raised questions regarding retirement pay. They generally ask, “Will increasing my unfit DoD rating increase my retirement pay?”

This question highlights why many people seek help: the medical discharge process is ultimately defined by the financial benefits that they may obtain at the end of the process. For many clients, understanding their financial benefits helps them make informed decisions regarding appeal options.

Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay

The Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) program generally allows eligible military retirees to receive both their military retirement pay and VA disability compensation without any offset. However, federal law applies a “Special Rule” for Chapter 61 Disability Retirees with twenty or more years of creditable service. This “Special Rule” caps the military retirement pay to what the member would have been entitled to if not retiring under Chapter 61. More plainly, a Chapter 61 disability retiree with 20 or more years of creditable service will receive their longevity retirement pay rather than retirement pay based on their unfit DoD rating.

Get the Representation You’ve Earned
You don’t have to navigate the financial complexities of the medical board process alone. Whether you need a second opinion, a clear roadmap, or full support, the goal is to help you make informed decisions and protect what you’ve earned.

What we are sharing is not legal advice, so please do not rely on it without speaking with a lawyer

Reading this does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every situation is fact-specific, and outcomes depend on the details of each case. You should consult a licensed professional for advice specific to your situation.