SMC-T is a type of VA disability benefit specifically for Veterans with severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). If you have TBI and require assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing, feeding, or bathing, you may be eligible for this benefit. SMC-T payments are made in place of monthly VA disability benefits.
How much is VA SMC-T?
The 2022 adjusted payment amount for SMC-T is $9,535.91 per month. SMC-T is paid at the same rate as SMC-r(2), which is for Veterans needing a higher level of care above that covered by regular Aid & Attendance benefits. For more on aid & attendance, click here!
How to qualify for SMC (t)
Eligibility for SMC-T requires that the Veteran be in need of nursing home care, residential institutional care without in-home aid and attendance services, or even hospitalization for their TBI. Additionally, the veteran must be ineligible for SMC (r2) and they must also already be receiving regular aid & attendance for their TBI residuals.
A Veteran with TBI shouldn’t need to apply for SMC-T, as the VA should consider entitlement to special monthly compensation when a Veteran’s condition qualifies for SMC-T, but that’s not always the case.
It’s conceivable that errors may be made during the application process, or that VA judges incorrectly if the Veteran’s TBI residuals are not clearly stated.
