PREC 30-97    Entitlement to Special Monthly Compensation for Disarticulation of the Hips following preexisting Paraplegia     Citation: Vet. Aff. Op. Gen Couns. Prec. 30-97, VAOPGCPREC 30-97, 1997

QUESTION PRESENTED:

What level of special monthly compensation (SMC) should be awarded to a claimant with nonservice-connected paraplegia who is entitled to compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for disarticulation of the hips?

HELD:

Regardless of preexisting paraplegia, SMC is payable at the rate prescribed in 38 U.S.C. § 1114(n) to a claimant who is entitled to compensation for bilateral disarticulation of the hips under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.