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KTN wrote:

I was recently increased from 20% to 80%. My first new CRDP VA check will be $1603 this month. Since they have not added my wife and children yet I am supposing that the $1603 is my $1503 (80% without dependents) plus $100 for my SMC-K (ED). Would I be correct in assuming that?

I am confused, because before I was only getting $355 retired pay offset from retirement pay and $129 CRSC for the 10% that was combat related. Does the fact that I am now CDRP mean I get my SMC-K?

I just added my family (they wouldn't let me when I was only 20%), how long does it normally take to start getting paid for them. Will this hold my Back Pay or will this just create another audit? My RO is Winston Salem.

Ron wrote:

1.  Re:  "My first new CRDP VA check will be $1603... "-- CRDP is paid by DFAS and it "restores" waived retirement pay.   The VA pays VA compensation.

2.  The $1603 is the 80% rate without dependents ($1503) plus SMC-K (which is $100).   So the SMC-K is being paid as you suspected.

3.  The wait for the addition of dependents varies and there is no way to accurately predict when you will see the increase.   Many wait for months, even a year plus.   The addition of dependents will not delay back pay.   That wait is similar to the wait for the increased payments for dependents.

4.  Since you are now entitled to CRDP, you will receive all of your retirement pay (except possibly $1.00 for "phase-in" of CRDP during 2013) because CRDP will "restore" what is being waived (presently $1603).   As you know, you will also receive the $1603 monthly payment from the VA and that figure will increase once the dependents are factored in.

Good luck,
Ron