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BlogVA Disability BenefitsCan You Get TDIU and SMC Benefits Simultaneously?

Can You Get TDIU and SMC Benefits Simultaneously?

Last Updated‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎

Written by

Claire Szewczyk

Table of Contents

If you’re a veteran navigating the VA disability benefits system, you may have heard about Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) and Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).

But can you receive both of these benefits at the same time?

The answer is yes, it is possible to receive both of these benefits simultaneously.

Want to learn more? Let’s break it down for you.

Understanding the difference between TDIU and SMC

  • TDIU, or Total Disability Individual Unemployability, is a benefit that provides compensation at the 100% disability rate, even if your disabilities do not add up to 100% according to the VA’s rating schedule. It’s designed for veterans who can’t maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.
  • SMC, or Special Monthly Compensation, is a complex system of additional payments for veterans with specific disabilities or circumstances, such as loss of use of limbs, aid and attendance, or housebound status.

Learn More About TDIU

Are you interested in learning more about TDIU and how to obtain these benefits?

Check out our comprehensive guide on TDIU for all the information you need.

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Read Our Comprehensive TDIU Guide Here

The Possibility of Receiving Both Benefits

It is indeed possible to receive TDIU and SMC benefits simultaneously under certain circumstances.

Here’s how it can work:

Example Situations

  1. Loss of Limbs: If you’ve lost the use of both legs, arms, or a combination, you may be eligible for both TDIU and SMC at the highest rate (SMC-S).
  2. Aid and Attendance: If you require regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, you may qualify for both TDIU and SMC at various levels.
  3. Housebound Status: Veterans who are housebound because of their service-related conditions may be eligible for both TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate.

How to Navigate the Process

To determine your eligibility for both TDIU and SMC, it’s crucial to get information from a knowledgeable source or consult with an expert.

They can help you gather the necessary medical evidence and present a strong case to the VA.

Explore SMC Benefits

For a deeper dive into Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) and how it can benefit you, read our post on SMC.

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Read Our Comprehensive TDIU Guide Here

Written by

Claire Szewczyk

Claire Szewczyk is a Digital Content Coordinator for Hill & Ponton, PA in Florida. She was a former US Airforce civilian employee, who worked at Hill Air Force Base, in Layton, UT as a flight testing administrator. She has also spent several years working with the Department of Veterans Affairs audiology programs in Salt Lake City, UT and Pocatello, ID. She enjoys working with the Veteran population and keeping them up to date with information they need the most.

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