Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC): A Closer Look at an Army Captain’s Case Linking his PTSD Diagnosis to “Hard Landing” Under Brownout Conditions

Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) is a vital benefit for retired service members who have incurred disabilities directly related to their combat duties. Recently, an Army Captain sought reconsideration for his denied CRSC claim, arguing that his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was a direct result of a hazardous service incident during his military career.

Background of the Incident

This Captain served as a co-pilot of an AH-64D Apache helicopter. During a mission, the aircraft experienced a flight mishap, leading to a “hard landing” under brownout conditions—an event where dust or sand severely limits visibility. This mishap, which occurred under hazardous conditions, was the proximate cause of his PTSD, as documented in his medical records. Despite this, his initial application for CRSC was denied in April 2020, with the decision citing insufficient evidence to confirm his presence on the aircraft during the mishap.

The Reconsideration Request

His request for reconsideration hinges on the assertion that his PTSD was incurred during hazardous service. The regulations specify that aerial flight, among other duties, qualifies as hazardous service. Given the circumstances of the mishap, his PTSD is clearly linked to his service conditions.

To support his claim, our firm gathered and submitted additional evidence.  This Captain’s mental health counseling records from both the Department of the Army and the VA further substantiated the claim. These records confirmed that the PTSD diagnosis was directly connected to the aircraft mishap, reinforcing the causal relationship between the hazardous duty and the resulting disability.

Conclusion

This Captain’s case exemplifies the challenges service members face in securing the benefits they deserve. The evidence provided clearly supports the direct link between his PTSD and the hazardous conditions he faced as a co-pilot. This reconsideration request is a critical step in ensuring that his service-related sacrifices are appropriately recognized and compensated through CRSC.