Supreme Court Unanimously Rules for 9,000+ Combat-Disabled Veterans To Receive Full Retroactive Combat-Related Special Compensation
WASHINGTON -- 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 denied their full retroactive combat-related special compensation (CRSC). The class is represented by pro bono legal counsel Sidley Austin LLP and the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP).
The lead plaintiff in the case, Mr. Simon Soto, served in the United States Marine Corps from August 2000 to April 2006, with two tours of duty in Iraq where he searched for, recovered, and processed remains of war casualties. From his service, Mr. Soto was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), was medically discharged, and awarded permanent medical disability retirement. In 2016, Mr. Soto applied for CRSC, which the Navy granted. However, the Navy limited its payment to Mr. Soto to only six years of retroactive pay, relying on a statute of limitations in a federal law called the Barring Act.
The Supreme Court unanimously held that there is no six-year cap on retroactive CRSC payments. Justice Clarence Thomas, writing for the Court, explained that “where, as here, the statutory scheme involves a small group of particularly deserving claimants, it is not extraordinary to think that Congress wished to forgo a limitations period.”
“Because of this decision, thousands of combat-disabled veterans will finally receive the full amount of the compensation they earned through their service and sacrifice.” said NVLSP Executive Director Paul Wright. “We are grateful that the Supreme Court recognized that Congress intended veterans to receive the full amount of their combat-related special compensation, no matter when they seek it.”
“The Court’s ruling ensures that combat-disabled veterans will receive all the combat-related special compensation they are entitled to by law,” said Sidley Austin partner Tacy Flint, who argued the case. “Our firm has had a long tradition of representing veterans. We are thrilled that thousands of veterans will benefit from this critical decision.”
The Sidley team includes Tacy Flint, Emily Mily Wexler, J. Simone Jones, Nathaniel Love, Ankur Shingal, Lakeisha Mays, Camille Sanches, and Kimberly Quick.
The NVLSP team includes Co-Founder/Special Counsel Barton Stichman, Director of Lawyers Serving Warriors® Pro Bono Program Rochelle Bobroff, and Director of Litigation Renée Burbank.
Veterans who believe they are part of the Soto class may contact us at crsclawsuit@nvlsp.org for more information.