When receiving a rating decision and a grant of service connection for disability compensation, a veteran is assigned a rating percentage of up to 100% that entitles them to a monthly payment of a certain quantity (qty) due to their disability related to their military service.
Sometimes, however, even a 100% VA disability rating amount may not be enough compensation.
For those situations, there are other VA benefits a veteran may qualify for provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs that allow them to receive compensation greater than the 100%.
This is Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).
The rating schedule is meant to compensate veterans for reduced earning capacity due to their disability.
SMC disability benefits are different because they are meant to compensate veterans for non-economic factors, such as personal inconvenience, social inadaptability, and the profound nature of the disability.
SMC benefits provide additional compensation at a rate much higher than the 100% rate.
What is Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)?
SMC is reserved for veterans that have suffered certain severe disabilities, severely disabled veterans who are housebound, or in need of regular aid and attendance or daily healthcare services.
This can include issues like Traumatic Brain Injuries, amputations, loss of use of body parts, and much much more.
Below we’ll get into it, starting with the rules.
These procedures for qualifying for SMC can be complicated, so here we will look at a general overview of SMC to make you aware that such benefits exist and that you may be entitled to them.
Common Disabilities that May Qualify for Special Monthly Compensation
These disabilities may qualify a veteran for Special Monthly Compensation but they are not limited to just these:
- Loss or loss of use of a hand or foot
- Immobility of a joint or paralysis
- Loss of sight of an eye
- Loss or loss of use of a reproductive organ
- Complete loss or loss of use of both buttocks
- Deafness of both ears
- Inability to communicate by speech
- Service-connected paraplegia with a complete loss of bowel and bladder control
- Service-connected disability rated at 100 percent or be housebound, bedridden or in need of aid from another person
- There are different categories that determine the type and amount of Special Monthly Compensation. Each one has different requirements for the kind of conditions that qualify for Special Monthly Compensation under that category. A condition must first be service-connected by the VA to qualify for Special Monthly Compensation.
There are different categories that determine the type and amount of Special Monthly Compensation.
Each one has different requirements for the kind of conditions that qualify for Special Monthly Compensation under that category.
A condition must first be service-connected by the VA to qualify for Special Monthly Compensation.
Does PTSD Qualify me for SMC?
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is sometimes found by quality of life measures, like your day-to-day activities at home. In order to receive SMC benefits for PTSD, you would have to have other mental health ratings claimed and also have physical/mental limitations beyond mental health concerns. For example, if you are an amputee diagnosed with PTSD, that would come into consideration if you were applying for VA SMC.
Are you considering applying for SMC? We may be able to help you. Fill out a case evaluation form for more information.
What are the different levels of SMC?
Once you have received your rating decision from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and see that you have been awarded service connection with a 100% rating for your disability, you may think that there are no more benefits to seek.
However, there is another type of VA benefit to which you may be entitled known as Special Monthly Compensation.
There are different levels of Special Monthly Compensation.
First, there are basic levels, ranging from (k) to (s) that are the building blocks to the higher levels, ranging from (l) to (o).
These basic levels are meant to provide veterans with basic needs while they progress throughout the higher range of benefits (levels L through O).
One must first establish entitlement to basic Special Monthly Compensation before being considered for higher rates of SMC.
Some of the basic levels of SMC are loss or loss of use of a creative organ, loss or loss of use of a hand or a foot, total blindness of one eye, deafness of both ears, loss of voice, housebound, or aid and attendance.
There is a difference between the loss of use and the loss of the body part itself (amputation), as explained here.
Difference between 100% VA Rating and SMC Benefits
The different levels of SMC that a veteran is entitled to correspond to a different level of VA disability compensation well above the 100% rating.
For example, a single veteran rated at 100% receives $3,332.06 per month, but at the highest level of SMC benefits for aid and attendance, the special monthly compensation rate would be over $8,100 per month.
Special monthly compensation ratings can make up for a veteran’s inability to work.
The VA has a duty to maximize a veteran’s benefits; they are supposed to render a decision that grants every benefit to which the veteran is entitled.
It is generally presumed that when filing a claim for disability, the veteran is seeking the maximum benefit allowed by law that corresponds to their disability.
Therefore, SMC is not something a veteran has to formally request of the VA for higher compensation ratings.
It is inferred when a claim for disability is submitted. The VA is supposed to consider it when making a decision on the claim, whether the veteran is entitled to SMC benefits if the medical evidence in the claims file indicates that they are.
The VA often fails to do this though, so you will want to know when you are entitled to these benefits so you make sure the VA is not paying you less than you deserve for any loss of use.
If a veteran is erroneously denied SMC benefits or not granted the full amount of SMC benefits they are entitled to, they could be entitled to retroactive benefits or even make a claim for clear and unmistakable error.
If you are considering appealing for SMC benefits, learn more information on how we can assist you to get the benefits you deserve!
How does the VA assign SMC Levels?
VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) can be obtained through various means.
It’s important to note that SMC rates typically replace standard VA disability compensation rates, with the exception of SMC-K, which is provided in addition to regular VA disability compensation pay.
The VA determines the level of Special Monthly Compensation based on specific situations or combinations thereof, such as loss of use of a creative organ, amputation of limbs or extremities, loss of function in limbs or extremities, loss of sight or blindness in one or both eyes, permanent bedridden status, or requiring daily assistance with basic needs (referred to as “Aid and Attendance”).
How to Qualify for SMC-L
To be eligible for SMC-L (Special Monthly Compensation – L), you must meet any of the following criteria:
- Both feet have been amputated,
- One foot has been amputated and you have lost the use of the other foot,
- One hand and one foot have been amputated,
- One foot has been amputated and you have lost the use of one hand, or
- One hand has been amputated and you have lost the use of one foot.
Alternatively, you may qualify for SMC-L if:
- You have lost the use of both feet,
- You have lost the use of one hand and one foot,
Or, you may be eligible for SMC-L if:
- You have lost sight in both eyes (blindness),
- You are permanently bedridden, or
- You require daily assistance with basic needs such as eating, dressing, and bathing.
How to Qualify for SMC-L 1/2
If you meet any of the following conditions, you may qualify for an SMC-L 1/2 (Special Monthly Compensation – L 1/2) designation:
- You have had one foot amputated along with the other knee amputated,
- You have had one foot amputated and have lost the use of the other knee,
- You have had one foot amputated along with one elbow amputated,
- You have had one foot amputated and have lost the use of one elbow,
- You have had one knee amputated along with one hand amputated,
- You have had one knee amputated and have lost the use of one hand.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for SMC-L 1/2 if:
- You have lost the use of one foot and have had the other knee amputated,
- You have lost the use of one foot and have had one elbow amputated,
- You have lost the use of one foot along with one elbow,
- You have lost the use of one knee and have had one hand amputated,
- You have lost the use of one knee along with one hand.
Or, you may qualify for SMC-L 1/2 if:
- You have blindness in one eye and total blindness in the other eye with only the ability to perceive light,
- You have blindness in both eyes and have lost the use of one foot, rated as less than 50% disabling.
How to Qualify for SMC-M
If you meet any of the following conditions, you may qualify for an SMC-M (Special Monthly Compensation – M) designation:
- You have had both hands amputated,
- You have had one hand amputated and have lost the use of the other hand,
- You have had both knees amputated,
- You have had one elbow and one knee amputated,
- You have had one foot amputated and have lost the use of one arm at the shoulder,
- You have had one foot amputated and have had one leg amputated so close to the hip that you are unable to wear a prosthesis,
- You have had one foot amputated and have had one arm amputated so close to the shoulder that you are unable to wear a prosthesis,
- You have had one hand amputated and have had one leg amputated so close to the hip that you are unable to wear a prosthesis.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for SMC-M if:
- You have lost the use of both hands,
- You have lost the use of both knees,
- You have lost the use of one elbow and one knee,
- You have lost the use of one foot and the use of one arm at the shoulder,
- You have lost the use of one foot and have had one leg amputated so close to the hip that you are unable to wear a prosthesis,
- You have lost the use of one foot and have had one arm amputated so close to the shoulder that you are unable to wear a prosthesis,
- You have lost the use of one hand and have had one leg amputated so close to the hip that you are unable to wear a prosthesis.
Or, you may qualify for SMC-M if:
- You have blindness in one eye and have physically lost the other eye,
- You have total blindness without the ability to perceive light in the other eye,
- You have total blindness in the other eye with only the ability to perceive light, and have total deafness in one ear,
- You have total blindness in the other eye with only the ability to perceive light, and have lost the use of one foot, rated as less than 50% disabling.
Or:
- You have blindness in both eyes that is considered total blindness, with only the ability to perceive light,
- You have blindness in both eyes that requires you to have daily help with basic needs such as eating, dressing, and bathing.
Or, you may be eligible for SMC-M if:
- You have blindness in both eyes, and have deafness in both ears rated as 30% or more disabling,
- You have had one hand amputated,
- You have lost the use of one hand,
- You have had one foot amputated,
- You have lost the use of one foot, rated as 50% or more disabling.
How to Qualify for SMC-M 1/2
You may be eligible for an SMC-M 1/2 designation if any of the following circumstances apply to you:
- You have undergone a knee amputation and a leg amputation so close to the hip that wearing a prosthesis is not possible, or
- You have undergone a knee amputation and an arm amputation so close to the shoulder that wearing a prosthesis is not possible, or
- You have undergone an elbow amputation and a leg amputation so close to the hip that wearing a prosthesis is not possible, or
- You have undergone a hand and elbow amputation, or
- You have undergone a hand amputation and have lost the use of one elbow
Alternatively:
- You have lost the use of one knee and have undergone a leg amputation so close to the hip that wearing a prosthesis is not possible, or
- You have lost the use of one knee and have undergone an arm amputation so close to the shoulder that wearing a prosthesis is not possible, or
- You have lost the use of one elbow and have undergone a leg amputation so close to the hip that wearing a prosthesis is not possible, or
- You have lost the use of one hand and have undergone an elbow amputation, or
- You have lost the use of one hand and one elbow
Or if you have total blindness with only the ability to perceive light:
- In one eye and have physically lost the other eye, or
- In one eye and have total blindness without the ability to perceive light in the other eye, or
- In both eyes and have lost the use of one foot (rated as less than 50% disabling)
Or if you have blindness in one eye:
- You have physically lost the other eye and have total deafness in one ear, or
- You have total blindness without the ability to perceive light in the other eye and have total deafness in one ear, or
- You have total blindness with only the ability to perceive light in the other eye and have deafness in both ears (rated as 30% or more disabling), or
- You have total blindness with only the ability to perceive light in the other eye and have undergone a foot amputation, or
- You have total blindness with only the ability to perceive light in the other eye and have lost the use of one foot (rated as 50% or more disabling), or
- You have total blindness with only the ability to perceive light in the other eye and have undergone a hand amputation, or
- You have total blindness with the only ability to perceive light in the other eye and have lost the use of one hand
Or:
- You have blindness in both eyes and total deafness in one ear, or
- You have blindness in both eyes and require daily assistance with basic needs (such as eating, bathing, and dressing) and have lost the use of one foot (rated as less than 50% disabling)
How to Qualify for SMC-N
You may be eligible for an SMC-N designation if any of the following apply to you:
- You’ve experienced bilateral amputation of both elbows, or
- You’ve experienced bilateral amputation of both legs near the hip, making it impossible to wear a prosthesis, or
- You’ve experienced amputation of one arm and one leg near the shoulder and hip, making it impossible to wear a prosthesis on either, or
- You’ve experienced amputation of one hand and one arm near the shoulder, making it impossible to wear a prosthesis
Or:
- You’ve lost the use of both elbows, or
- You’ve lost the use of one hand and have experienced amputation of one arm near the shoulder, making it impossible to wear a prosthesis
Or:
- You’ve experienced total physical blindness in both eyes, or
- You have complete blindness without the ability to perceive light in both eyes, and:
- You’ve physically lost the other eye and have deafness in both ears rated as 10% or 20% disabling, or
- You have complete blindness without the ability to perceive light in the other eye and have deafness in both ears rated as 10% or 20% disabling, or
- You’ve physically lost the other eye and have lost the use of one foot rated as less than 50% disabling, or
- You have complete blindness without the ability to perceive light in the other eye and have lost the use of one foot rated as less than 50% disabling
Or you have complete blindness with only the ability to perceive light in both eyes, and:
- You have deafness in both ears rated as 30% or more disabling, or
- You’ve experienced amputation of one hand, or
- You’ve lost the use of one foot, or
- You’ve lost the use of one hand, or
- You’ve experienced amputation of one foot, or
- You’ve lost the use of one foot rated as 50% or more disabling
Or you have blindness in one eye, and:
- You’ve physically lost the other eye and have deafness in both ears rated as 30% or more disabling, or
- You have complete blindness without the ability to perceive light in the other eye and have deafness in both ears rated as 30% or more disabling
Or you have complete blindness in both eyes that requires daily assistance with basic needs such as dressing, eating, or bathing, and:
- You have deafness in both ears rated as 30% or more disabling, or
- You’ve experienced amputation of one hand, or
- You’ve lost the use of one hand, or
- You’ve experienced amputation of one foot, or
- You’ve lost the use of one foot rated as 50% disabling.
How to Qualify for SMC-N 1/2
You may qualify for an SMC-N 1/2 designation if any of the following situations apply to you:
- You’ve had one elbow amputated, and have also had one arm amputated so close to the shoulder that wearing a prosthesis is not possible.
- You’ve lost the use of one elbow, and have also had one arm amputated so close to the shoulder that wearing a prosthesis is not possible.
- You’ve physically lost both eyes, and have also lost the use of one foot (rated as less than 50% disabling).
- You have total blindness without the ability to perceive light, and have also lost the use of one foot (rated as less than 50% disabling).
Or, if you have total blindness with only the ability to perceive light in one eye, and have physically lost the other eye, you may qualify if:
- You have deafness in both ears (rated as 30% or more disabling).
- You’ve had one foot amputated.
- You’ve lost the use of one foot (rated as 50% or more disabling).
- You’ve had one hand amputated.
- You’ve lost the use of one hand.
Or, if you have total blindness with only the ability to perceive light in one eye and total blindness without the ability to perceive light in the other eye, you may qualify if:
- You have deafness in both ears (rated as 30% or more disabling).
- You’ve had one foot amputated.
- You’ve lost the use of one foot (rated as 50% or more disabling).
- You’ve had one hand amputated.
- You’ve lost the use of one hand.
How to Qualify for SMC-O
You may be eligible for an SMC-O designation if any of the following situations apply to you:
- You’ve had both arms amputated so close to the shoulder that wearing a prosthesis is not possible.
- You have complete paralysis of both legs resulting in the inability to control your bladder or bowels.
Or, if you have hearing loss in both ears (with at least one ear’s deafness caused by military service) rated as 60% or more disabling, and you have blindness in both eyes, or:
- You have hearing loss in both ears (with at least one ear’s deafness caused by military service) rated as 40% or more disabling, and you have blindness in both eyes with only the ability to perceive light.
- You have total deafness in one ear as well as blindness in both eyes with only the ability to perceive light.
Or, if you have total blindness without the ability to see light, and:
- You have deafness in both ears rated as 30% or more disabling.
- You’ve had one foot amputated.
- You’ve lost the use of one foot rated as 50% or more disabling.
- You’ve had one hand amputated.
- You’ve lost the use of one hand.
Or, if you have physically lost both eyes, and:
- You have deafness in both ears rated as 30% or more disabling.
- You’ve had one foot amputated.
- You’ve lost the use of one foot rated as 50% or more disabling.
- You’ve had one hand amputated.
- You’ve lost the use of one hand.
2023 VA SMC Rates
Depending on the level of SMC a veteran is entitled to, it could equal a significant increase in monthly compensation benefits (see the current rate table on the VA’s website or check out our 2022 SMC rates table here).
| SMC Level | SMC Monthly Amount |
| K | $128.62 |
| L | $4,506.84 |
| L ½ | $4,739.83 |
| M | $4,973.76 |
| M ½ | $5,315.51 |
| N | $5,658.02 |
| N ½ | $5,990.84 |
| O/P | $6,324.26 |
| R-1 | $9,036.89 |
| R-2/T | $10,365.53 |
| S | $4,054.12 |
Special Monthly Compensation Level R1 vs R2
Levels R1 and R2 are both determined based on the level of care that a veteran will require.
Level R1 is assigned if the level of aid and attendance can be offered by a family member or friend (non-professional).
In some disabling cases of PTSD, SMC R1 could prove to be very beneficial to the veteran and their spouse or partner.
Level R2 is given if the aid and attendance must be provided by a licensed medical professional or someone working on behalf of a licensed medical professional.
Who is entitled to Special Monthly Compensation?
SMC is available for veterans who are housebound or who are in need of regular aid and attendance. Unlike the disability rating schedule, SMC is not meant to compensate a veteran for the effects that his or her disability has on earning potential, but rather for non-economic factors such as personal inconvenience, social inadaptability, or the profound nature of a disability.
One potential disability that could qualify for special monthly compensation is blindness.
Other potential disabilities that could qualify include a loss of limbs, deafness, and total and permanent mental impairment such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, which could potentially be life-long.
SMC-S
One type of SMC which is particularly advantageous to veterans is SMC(s). SMC(s) is available to veterans who:
- have a 100 percent rating and an additional disability rated at or combining to 60 percent or more, or
- who are substantially confined to his or her dwelling or immediate premises as a result of a service-connected disability.
The current SMC-S rate for veterans without dependents is $3,486.65 per month.
This rate increases depending on the veteran’s marital status and other circumstances.
Housebound status is the main criteria that apply to SMC-S. Veterans who are housebound may live at home or in a care facility.
Veterans who qualify for SMC-S may also be in a hospital ward.
Typically, veterans who are housebound are unable to leave their dwelling due to their service-connected disabilities.
This is typically a permanent circumstance.
Aid & Attendance and other VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) benefits
Aid and attendance is a type of SMC that provides additional compensation for veterans who need assistance in tending to their daily needs due to their service-connected disability.
This may apply to veterans who are bedridden or have serious disabilities due to a traumatic brain injury.
SMC can then be awarded, depending on the level of care the veteran needs, in order to alleviate the need for a caretaker.
The caretaker does not have to be a medical professional, but can even be a family member helping with everyday tasks.
Some of the factors the VA considers as everyday tasks that would qualify the veteran for additional compensation are the inability to dress or undress, bathe, take care of one’s personal hygiene, feed oneself, or being unable to avoid injuring oneself with everyday tasks.
Housebound status is another example of a type of SMC that entitles a veteran to additional compensation when they are substantially confined to their home because of their service-connected disability, and it is reasonably certain that the disability will continue throughout their lifetime.
Each of these types of SMC’s also has different levels that qualify veterans for different amounts of compensation.
Special Monthly Compensation is a difficult area of law with several different types of levels and requirements to consider before you can determine if you are eligible for these additional benefits.
But if you are entitled to this additional compensation, you need to make sure you are receiving what you deserve from the VA.
For more information on SMC, click here and here or visit the VA’s website.
