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 N:
Amputations
- Amputation of both elbows
- Loss of use of both elbows
- Amputation of both legs so close to the hip that it is impossible to wear a prosthesis
- The amputation of one arm and one leg so close to the shoulder or hip that it is impossible to wear a prosthesis on either
- Amputation of one hand and amputation of one arm so close to the shoulder that it is impossible to wear a prosthesis
- Loss of use of one hand and amputation of one arm so close to the shoulder that it is impossible to wear a prosthesis
Loss Of Eyes Or Blindness
- Physical loss of both eyes
- Total blindness without the ability to see light
- A total blindness with only the ability to perceive light in one eye and the physical loss of the other eye and deafness in both ears (rated at 10 or 20% by the VASRD)
- 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 and deafness in both ears (rated at 10 or 20% by the VASRD)
- Total blindness in both eyes with only the ability to perceive light and deafness in both ears (rated by the VASRD 30% or more
- Blindness in both eyes to such a degree that the veteran has to have someone help with his basic needs and deafness in both ears (rated by the VASRD 30% or more)
- Having blindness in one eye and the physical loss of the other eye and deafness in both ears (rated by the VASRD 30% or more)
- Blindness in one eye and total blindness without the ability to perceive light in the other eye and deafness in both ears (rated by the VASRD 30% or more)
- Total blindness in both eyes with only the ability to perceive light and the amputation of one hand
- Total blindness in both eyes with only the ability to perceive light and the loss of use of one hand Blindness in both eyes that requires the veteran to have someone help with his basic needs and the amputation of one hand
Other Combinations Of Blindness
- Blindness in both eyes that requires the veteran to have someone help with his basic needs and the loss of use of one hand
- Total blindness in both eyes with only the ability to perceive light and the amputation of one foot Total blindness in both eyes with only the ability to perceive light and the loss of use of one foot (rated by the VASRD 50% or more)
- Blindness in both eyes that requires the veteran to have someone help with his basic needs and the amputation of one foot
- Blindness in both eyes that requires the veteran to have someone help with his basic needs and the loss of use of one foot (rated by the VASRD 50% or more)
- Total blindness with only the ability to perceive light in one eye and the physical loss of the other eye and the loss of use of one foot (rated by the VASRD at less than 50%)
- 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 and the loss of use of one foot (rated by the VASRD at less than 50%)
The current compensation tables can be found here on the VA Web site.
DENIED BENEFITS?
If you have been denied any of your VA benefits you have the right to appeal. The process can be complicated and overwhelming. We are here to help you win your appeal and secure all the benefits you deserve. Call our office today at 800-861-7262 for a free consultation or use our secure web email.
We will provide assistance for many types of issues on appeal, including, but not limited to: Dependency Indemnity Compensation, Agent Orange, Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), PTSD, and other mental health issues. Not included are Special Monthly Compensation issues.
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