Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is a higher rate of compensation paid to veterans with severe, service-connected disabilities. Within the SMC categories, Level O (SMC-O) is reserved for veterans with some of the most profound and severe combinations of disabilities.
Because SMC Level O recognizes an extremely high degree of severity, it provides one of the highest monthly compensation rates. It is paid instead of the standard VA disability rating, not in addition to it.
Understanding if you qualify is complex, as it depends on very specific combinations of conditions. This guide breaks down the requirements based on VA regulations and the official 2025 pay rates.
2025 SMC Level O Pay Rates (Effective Dec. 1, 2024)
SMC Level O is listed on the VA’s rate table as SMC-O/P. The monthly, tax-free payment amount for 2025 is:
- Veteran Alone: $6,689.81
- Veteran with Spouse: $6,903.42
- Veteran with Spouse and 1 Child: $7,059.86
- Veteran with Spouse, 1 Child, and 1 Parent: $7,231.30
- Veteran with Spouse, 1 Child, and 2 Parents: $7,402.74
How to Qualify for SMC Level O
The VA awards SMC Level O for specific, severe disability combinations. When determining your rating, the VA will assign the highest category you fit (from L to O). You cannot receive more than one rating from the L-O categories.
A veteran may qualify for SMC-O if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Amputation of both arms so close to the shoulder that wearing a prosthesis is impossible.
- Complete paralysis of both legs combined with the inability to control urination and defecation (loss of bowel and bladder control).
Combinations of Blindness and Deafness
- Hearing loss in both ears rated at 60% or more (only one ear must be service-connected), combined with blindness in both eyes (with 5/200 visual acuity or less).
- Hearing loss in both ears rated at 40% or more (only one ear must be service-connected), combined with blindness in both eyes with only the ability to perceive light.
- Total deafness in one ear combined with blindness in both eyes with only the ability to perceive light.
- Physical loss of both eyes combined with deafness in both ears (rated 30% or more).
- Total blindness (no light perception) combined with deafness in both ears (rated 30% or more).
Combinations of Blindness and Extremity Loss
- Physical loss of both eyes combined with the amputation of one foot.
- Physical loss of both eyes combined with the loss of use of one foot (rated 50% or more).
- Total blindness (no light perception) combined with the amputation of one foot.
- Total blindness (no light perception) combined with the loss of use of one foot (rated 50% or more).
- Physical loss of both eyes combined with the amputation of one hand.
- Physical loss of both eyes combined with the loss of use of one hand.
- Total blindness (no light perception) combined with the amputation of one hand.
- Total blindness (no light perception) combined with the loss of use of one hand.
Qualification via Multiple Disabilities
A veteran may also qualify for SMC-O if they have two or more different disabilities (or combinations of disabilities) that would each qualify for a rating under SMC Level L, M, or N.
Denied benefits? We can help
If you have been denied any of your VA benefits, you have the right to appeal. The process can become complicated and overwhelming. We are here to help you win your appeal and secure all the benefits you deserve.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and marketing purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship.
