Category: Special Monthly Compensation

SMC(t) Criteria and Approval: A BVA Case Study Here we present a Board of Veteran Appeals case study on SMC(t) Criteria and Approval. How to win your case. From a medical standpoint, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are complex. Symptoms of TBI can vary and may present differently amongst people suffering from the injury. Special Monthly Compensation for Veterans is complex, as well. Adding to these complications, the definitions for things like “aid and attendance” are rather vague. The sum total of these circumstances is that SMC(t) criteria and approval are highly subjective. An assertive VA disability benefits attorney can make…

What is Special Monthly Compensation due to TBI (SMCt)? Special Monthly Compensation due to TBI (SMCt) is a level specifically for veterans who suffer debilitating residuals of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Many medical professionals refer to Traumatic Brain Injuries as the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Roadside bombs and other IEDs cause many of these wounds, even if the Veteran was several blocks away from the blast and suffered no other physical injuries. Explosive blasts trigger shock waves that disrupt brain functions. Due to the prevalence and severity of such injuries, Congress recently expanded the Special Monthly Compensation…

What is SMC Category K under Special Monthly Compensation? In addition to Regular VA Disability, SMC Category K gives extra Special Monthly Compensation based solely on the loss of (amputation or removal) or loss of use of a body part or function. Category K can be given even if the condition does not qualify for any other Special Monthly Compensation. The total amount of compensation received, however, cannot be more than  the amount of compensation given for Category L. The following body parts can be rated under Category K:  Amputation of a hand  Amputation of a foot  Loss of use…

What is Special Monthly Compensation SMC Category S? SMC Category S is a separate level of  Special Monthly Compensation that addresses Housebound Benefits.  Housebound status is another type of SMC that entitles a veteran to additional compensation. Additional benefits are available if they are confined to their home because of their service-connected disability. And it is reasonably certain that the disability will continue throughout their lifetime. Category S is given INSTEAD of Special Monthly Compensation under Categories L through O. If you are a veteran and have at least one condition rated 100% and one or both of the following…

Understanding the Different Levels of SMC Level O Special Monthly Compensation SMC Level O bears the highest degree of severity.  Consequently SMC Level O contains the highest SMC rates. When you are trying to determine which category you might qualify for SMC, remember only one Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) rating can be given for Categories L through O. Category L is the lowest Special Monthly Compensation, and Category O is the highest. Pick the highest category that best fits the conditions. Level O The following conditions qualify for a rating under Level O:  Amputation of both arms so close to…

Different Levels of SMC Level N ½ Special Monthly Compensation SMC Level N ½  is given to eligible veterans with particularly significant impairments or combinations of disabilities. To Be Eligible The following conditions qualify for a N ½ Level Rating for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC):  Amputation of one elbow and amputation of one arm so close to the shoulder that it is impossible to wear a prosthesis  Loss of use of one elbow and amputation of one arm so close to the shoulder that it is impossible to wear a prosthesis Physical loss of both eyes and the loss of…

Understanding the Different Levels of SMC Level N SMC Level N has different levels. Some of the SMC conditions refer to the VASRD. The VASRD (Veteran Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities) gives detailed requirements for assigning Military Disability Ratings. Each rating in the VASRD is meant to reflect how much the service member’s ability to work is affected by his/her condition. Can you work to support yourself and your family? Are you able to perform the tasks of daily life (dressing, cooking, shopping, etc.)? Level N For Special Monthly Compensation The following conditions qualify for a rating under SMC Level…