What Is VA SMC Level N ½ and Do I Qualify?

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is a higher rate of tax-free compensation paid to veterans with particularly severe or specific combinations of disabilities. These rates are paid in addition to or instead of the standard VA disability pay.

SMC-N ½ is an “intermediate” level of SMC. It provides a payment rate halfway between SMC-N and SMC-O. It is typically granted when a veteran has disabilities that meet the criteria for SMC-N and also has other, separate disabilities rated at 50% or more.

SMC Level N ½ Payment Rate (2025)

The 2025 VA payment rate for SMC-N ½ (effective December 1, 2024) is $6,337.00 per month for a veteran with no dependents.

This rate can be higher if the veteran has eligible dependents.

Note on 2026 COLA: These 2025 rates are scheduled to increase by 2.8% starting in late December 2025, to reflect the new 2026 COLA.

Who qualifies for SMC Level N ½?

The qualifications for SMC-N ½ are highly specific and based on complex combinations of disabilities. A veteran may be eligible for this rate if they meet any of the following criteria.

1. Amputation and Loss of Use Combinations

• Amputation of one elbow AND amputation of the other arm so close to the shoulder that a prosthesis cannot be worn.
• Loss of use of one elbow AND amputation of the other arm so close to the shoulder that a prosthesis cannot be worn.

2. Blindness and Other Disabilities

• Physical loss of both eyes AND loss of use of one foot (with the foot disability rated less than 50%).
• Total blindness (no light perception) in both eyes AND loss of use of one foot (with the foot disability rated less than 50%).

3. Blindness and Deafness Combinations

• Total blindness in one eye (with light perception only) AND total blindness in the other eye (no light perception) AND deafness in both ears (rated 30% or more).
• Total blindness in one eye (with light perception only) AND physical loss of the other eye AND deafness in both ears (rated 30% or more).

4. Combined Blindness, Amputation, and Loss of Use

This category applies to veterans who have:

• Total blindness in one eye (with light perception only) AND total blindness in the other eye (no light perception)
  OR
• Total blindness in one eye (with light perception only) AND physical loss of the other eye

…AND one of the following conditions:

• Amputation of one foot
• Loss of use of one foot (rated 50% or more)
• Amputation of one hand
• Loss of use of one hand

5. The “Intermediate Rate” Qualification

A veteran may also qualify for SMC-N ½ if they have:

1. A disability that qualifies for SMC-N, AND
2. One or more additional, separate disabilities rated at 50% or more.

Denied SMC benefits? We can help.

The VA’s regulations for Special Monthly Compensation are complex and can be overwhelming. If you believe the VA wrongly denied your claim for SMC or other disability benefits, contact the team at Cameron Firm, PC, today for a free consultation. We help veterans nationwide get the full compensation they earned.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and marketing purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship and is not intended as legal advice.