SMC-K, also known as “Special-K,” is a category of Special Monthly Compensation available to veterans who have specific kinds of service-connected disabilities connected with their military service. It is additional compensation you can receive every month on top of your regular VA disability monthly payments.

For a short guide on the easiest SMC-K claims from our attorneys, check out the video below.

Easiest SMC-K Claims

The top 3 easiest SMC-K claims according to our attorneys?

  1. Erectile Dysfunction
  2. Reproductive Loss
  3. Loss of use of extremities

SMC-K Requirements

There are a variety of disabilities that qualify for this category of special monthly compensation (SMC). Some of them include:

  • Lost, or cannot use, one hand or one foot.
  • Lost, or cannot use, both buttocks.
  • Loss of sight in one eye (just light perception).
  • Loss of hearing in both ears.
  • Cannot speak.
  • Lost, or cannot use, a reproductive organ.
  • Women veterans who have lost breast tissue because of military service.

What does “loss” and “loss of use” mean?

  • Loss: You’ve physically lost a part of your body (like with amputation) because of military service.
  • Loss of Use: The part of your body is still there, but you can no longer use it properly after military service.

SMC-K for Loss of a Creative Organ

The VA defines creative organs as any reproductive organ, including the penis, testicles, uterus, ovaries, and breast tissue. While physical removal of these organs (such as hysterectomy) clearly qualifies for SMC-K compensation, if a reproductive organ is so impaired that it functions no better than if it were completely removed, the VA considers this a loss of use, making veterans eligible for SMC-K benefits.

A veteran qualifies for SMC-K for loss of a creative organ if one or more of the following is true and is the result of a service-connected disability:

  • Loss or loss of use of one or more testicles or ovaries – Includes surgical removal (e.g., orchiectomy, oophorectomy), atrophy, or loss of function due to disease or trauma.
  • Loss of use of a penis or uterus – Includes erectile dysfunction, if severe enough to render the organ nonfunctional for procreation or sexual activity.
  • Sterility from service-connected causes – Even if the creative organ is physically intact, infertility caused by service-connected conditions (e.g., radiation exposure, trauma) may qualify.

Keep in mind that erectile dysfunction alone is not sufficient for SMC–K unless it results in complete loss of function and is tied to a service-connected condition. For instance, erectile dysfunction secondary to PTSD is awarded SMC-K only if the psychological impotence stems from a service-connected mental health disorder and produces functional loss that meets the criteria.

How much does SMC-K pay?

For the most current information about Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) pay rates, visit the VA’s compensation rates page.

Remember, SMC-K is tax-free–you won’t pay taxes on it and it is in addition to your benefits from your VA disability rating.

How do I apply for SMC-K?

The VA should automatically qualify disabled veterans, if eligible. However, if you believe you should be receiving SMC-K but are not, consider consulting a VA-accredited lawyer for expert assistance.

Given that SMC-K provides additional monthly compensation beyond standard disability ratings, the financial impact of a successful claim can be substantial over time. Don’t leave money on the table – an experienced attorney can maximize your chances of obtaining the full compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free evaluation of your case.

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Cassandra Crosby, an Accredited Agent and claims advocate for Matthew Hill & Shelly Mark’s teams, reviewed the information provided in this post.

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