VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

SMC = Special Monthly Compensation

Paid either in addition to (SMC K), or in place of regular ratings (all others). There are several different levels of SMC, and several different combinations of them as well. The most common are Housebound and Aid and Attendance, both typically paid at the rate of SMC L. Higher levels of Aid and Attendance are allowed, depending on the amount of care needed by the vet. They are typically paid at the rate of either SMC R1, or R2. If you are rated at 100% for a single disability, and have another single disability that is ratable at 50%, or 100%, then you are entitled to the next higher rate of SMC. This is in addition to the additional 60% (single or combined) disabilities that jbasser spoke of. SMC is a complicated beast that is very hard to understand. If you want to learn more about it, it is governed by 38 USC 1114, and regulated by 38 CFR 3.350

Can a Veteran Receive Additional Payments for Serious Disabilities?

VA can pay additional compensation to a veteran who, as a result of military service, incurred the loss or loss of use of specific organs or extremities.

What Is Considered Loss or Loss of Use?Loss, or loss of use, is described as either an amputation or, having no effective remaining function of an extremity or organ. The disabilities VA can consider for SMC include:
- loss, or loss of use, of a hand or foot
- immobility of a joint or paralysis
- loss of sight of an eye (having only light perception)
- loss, or loss of use, of a reproductive organ
- complete loss, or loss of use, of both buttocks
- deafness of both ears (having absence of air and bone conduction)
- inability to communicate by speech (complete organic aphonia)
- loss of a percentage of tissue from a single breast, or both breasts, from mastectomy or radiation treatment

Further reading:

SPECIAL MONTHLY COMPENSATION-WHAT IS IT?

Member Carla writes and says “my husband has lost the use of his creative organ for all intents and purposes. They attribute this to his DM2. He was also blinded in one eye from shell fragments during a mortar attack in Vietnam during his tour. They were paying him Special Monthly Compensation (K).

CAVC- HOWELL V. NICHOLSON- WHAT SMC-S REALLY SAYS

I find SMC or Special Monthly Compensation S, as accorded to us true War Vets, to be highly misunderstood by-gasp-Veterans Service Officers who should, by rights, be well-versed in this. I just ran into one on another HCV helpsite and he is obviously a Veterans Service Officer.

We also have forums for specific SMC ratings

SMC Special Monthly Compensation

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How Can You Apply?

You should contact you local VA regional office for information about applying for SMC. In determining qualifications for SMC, the VA must review the medical evidence regarding the loss or loss of use and then make a decision regarding the level of SMC to be paid.

What if I Have a Combination of These Disabilities?

The VA will pay higher rates for combinations of these disabilities such as loss or loss of use of the feet, legs, hands, and arms, in specific monetary increments, based on the particular combination of the disabilities. There are also higher payments for various combinations of severe deafness with bilateral blindness.

Additional SMC is available if a veteran is service connected for paraplegia, with complete loss of bowel and bladder control.

In addition, if you have other service-connected disabilities that, in combination with the above special monthly compensation, meet certain criteria, a higher amount of SMC can also be considered.

Can VA Pay SMC for Being Bedridden, Housebound, or in Need of the Aid and Attendance of Another Person?

If a veteran is service connected at the 100% rate and is housebound, bedridden, or is so helpless to need the aid and attendance of another person, then consideration of payment of additional SMC can be considered. The amount of SMC will vary depending on the level of aid and attendance needed.

References useful for Special Monthly Compensation Claims

PREC 2-00 Special Monthly Compensation for Loss of Creative Organ–Mastectomy–38 U.S.C. § 1114(k); 38 C.F.R. § 3.350(a) Citation: Vet. Aff. Op. Gen. Couns. Prec. 2-00, VAOPGCPREC 2-00, 2000

QUESTION PRESENTED:

May the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through rulemaking authorize special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(k) (k-rate SMC) for a service-connected mastectomy?

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?

Special Monthly Compensation Rate Tables

38CFR3.350 Special monthly compensation ratings

In case I wasn’t the only one clueless about filing... September 15, 2018
Ebenefits is up for most I assume filing for Aid and Attendance is easier then I thought. So if your just learning about SMC you wonder how does one file for it. You just click for a new disability on ebenefits, the list pops up and type special monthly compensation. I recommend filing FDC, but have a […]
VA always prolongs the inevitable August 28, 2018
I filed for SMC last April and wasn’t even on my ebenefits until my headaches went in for an increase. No Money rewarded but knowing that I rate at the least SMC L backdated 16 months makes me happy after my OCD research kicked in I have my exam Thursday and every C and P […]
SMC T August 26, 2018
Is there a way to put this as a title under the SMC list?
SMC ? August 7, 2018
So I’m 100 P and T due to my sTBI and several other little things equaling over an additional 60% giving me SMC S. I have since filed for an increase for my migraines the VA has is on their way to giving me Botox. Not really thinking to much about SMCs if my increase […]
I think this will help with smc July 30, 2018
15- Special Monthly Comp Handout, NVLSP(1).pdf
Need help with smc i think i have a cue July 10, 2018
I am 60% for neck issue an iu since 1993 I just put in claim a@a. Had comp exam doctor stated I can feed dress or clean my house an my condition is a hazzard. My doctor just put in referral for 8 hr a week aid lady va hositpal just call an just waiting. ? […]
is it absurd to request A &A for migraines rated at 50%? July 9, 2018
is it absurd to request A &A for migraines rated at 50%? I can't find anything anywhere where a claim has been requested for A & A due to migraines. The 50% for migraines “very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.” but migraines maxes out at a 50% rating and isn't […]
SMC T Cases approved or denied at the board of veterans Appeals May 2, 2018
Hello, I have a request. I would like to research all of the cases where the board of veterans appeals approved or denied SMC tea benefits. Apparently I have not been typing in the correct search results because I haven't found a whole lot of information. If someone has been able to find more […]
SMC T April 5, 2018
I am trying to find out more information about SMC T. I have read the PDF by the order of the Purple Heart and found several other web pages that had information on it. Fom what I understand I need a TBI and I need Aid & Attendance. I also remember it saying something about […]
TDIU vs Scheduler February 2, 2018
If your rated TDIU 100% no further exams and claims that are in appeal get finished and then makes you 100% Scheduler what happens to your TDIU?? Will you still have the status of no more exams? if a condition gets better does it resort back to TDIU automatically if none of your TDIU conditions […]