NVLSP Issues FAQ for Veterans on Retroactive Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) under Supreme Court Unanimous Ruling on Soto v. United States
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2025
ARLINGTON, VA – On June 12, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of a class of over 9000 disabled Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard veterans who were wrongfully limited to six-years of retroactive combat-related special compensation (CRSC). The Supreme Court unanimously held that there is no six-year cap on retroactive CRSC payments.
On August 25, 2025, NVLSP published a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide regarding the Soto case. These questions include:
- Which Veterans will Benefit from the decision in Soto?
Veterans who (1) have been granted CRSC benefits, (2) qualified for retroactive CRSC benefits for a period longer than six years from the date they filed for CRSC, and (3) whose retroactive benefits were limited to only six years from the date of their initial application.
- How do I know if I am a member of the Soto class?
In 2021, DOD sent notices to approximately 9,000 individuals who were identified as belonging to the Sotoclass at that time. For veterans who were retired, obtained service connection, or received a CRSC decision after the 2021 notice to class members, there has not been any class notice. A detailed review of files would be required to determine whether a veteran is a class member.
- Will retroactive benefits be the same as current CRSC benefits?
Probably not. CRSC rates are based on VA compensation rates and there has been a cost-of-living adjustment most years. Rates paid in 2025 are different than rates paid, for example, 10 years ago.
- What is being done to implement Soto?
Counsel for the military has stated in a court filing in mid-August 2025: “The Department of Defense (DoD) is in the process of drafting a directive to the military branches and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) with guidance for implementing the decision in Soto both retroactively to individuals who have had the Barring Act applied to their Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) claims and prospectively with respect to future CRSC claims. That guidance is expected to be finalized this month.”
“NVLSP is monitoring implementation of Soto and will have more information for veterans in the coming months,” said NVLSP’s Pro Bono Program Director of Lawyers Serving Warriors® Rochelle Bobroff. “We are also planning a free educational webinar for veterans later this year. Please check our website for future updates.”
About The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)
The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) is an independent, nonprofit veterans service organization that has served active duty military personnel and veterans since 1981. NVLSP strives to ensure that our nation honors its commitment to its 18 million veterans and active duty personnel by ensuring they have the benefits they have earned through their service to our country. NVLSP has represented veterans in lawsuits that compelled enforcement of the law where the VA or other military services denied benefits to veterans in violation of the law. NVLSP’s success in these lawsuits has resulted in more than $5.6 billion dollars being awarded in disability, death and medical benefits to hundreds of thousands of veterans and their survivors. NVLSP offers training for attorneys and other advocates; connects veterans and active duty personnel with pro bono legal help when seeking disability benefits; publishes the nation’s definitive guide on veteran benefits; and represents and litigates for veterans and their families before the VA, military discharge review agencies and federal courts. For more information go to www.nvlsp.org.
Media contact:
Patty Briotta, 202-621-5698, patty@nvlsp.org