Special Monthly Compensation VA disability benefits

Eligibility depends on the severity and impact of service-connected conditions. Common qualifying scenarios include:

Loss of Use

If a veteran loses the use of a hand, foot, arm, or leg — even without amputation — they may qualify.

Aid and Attendance

Veterans who require help with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, or medication management may qualify for SMC based on Aid and Attendance.

Housebound Status

Veterans who are substantially confined to their home due to service-connected disabilities may qualify for SMC at the housebound rate.

Multiple High Ratings

Veterans with one condition rated at 100% and additional conditions rated at 60% or higher may qualify for certain SMC levels.

Severe Neurological Conditions

Conditions such as advanced Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, or paralysis may qualify depending on functional impairment.

SMC is divided into different levels, often identified by letters (such as SMC-K, SMC-L, SMC-S, and others). Each level corresponds to a specific type or severity of disability.

For example:

• SMC-K may apply for loss of use of a creative organ 
• SMC-L may apply for Aid and Attendance 
• SMC-S may apply for housebound status 

Payment amounts vary depending on the level and whether the veteran has dependents. Because the structure is complex, proper evaluation is critical to ensure the highest eligible benefit is awarded.

Veterans with the following service-connected conditions may qualify for enhanced compensation:

• Parkinson’s disease with mobility impairment 
• Severe depression or mental health conditions requiring supervision 
• Advanced neurological disorders 
• Amputations 
• Severe spinal injuries 
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) 
• Blindness 
• Combined ratings resulting in total disability 

Even if you already receive 100% disability, you may still qualify for additional SMC benefits.

Many veterans do not apply for SMC because:

• They are unaware of the benefit 
• The VA did not automatically award it 
• Their rating decision did not properly consider functional loss 
• They were denied without clear explanation 

In some cases, veterans receive a 100% rating but do not receive the additional compensation they qualify for under SMC rules.

Strong SMC claims often include:

• Medical documentation of functional limitations 
• Evidence showing need for daily assistance 
• Statements from caregivers or family members 
• Documentation of mobility impairment 
• Employment history reflecting total disability 

Because SMC depends on the functional impact of your disability, detailed medical and lay evidence is essential.

If the VA failed to award SMC or denied eligibility, you may have options to:

• Submit new and relevant evidence 
• Request Higher-Level Review 
• Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals 

Our VA-accredited attorneys carefully review rating decisions to determine whether SMC should have been awarded and pursue appeals when appropriate.

Wettermark Keith’s VA Disability Practice is led by Amber Osborne, a VA-accredited attorney who represents veterans nationwide.

We help veterans:

• Evaluate SMC eligibility 
• Develop evidence for Aid and Attendance or housebound benefits 
• Pursue SMC in addition to 100% ratings 
• Appeal denied or overlooked SMC awards 
• Maximize total compensation 

You served your country. If your disabilities severely limit your independence, you deserve the full benefits available under the law.

Wettermark Keith’s VA Disability Practice is led by Amber Osborne, a VA-accredited attorney who represents veterans nationwide in VA disability claims and appeals.

We help veterans:

• File new VA disability claims
• Establish service connection for depression
• Pursue secondary service connection
• Increase disability ratings
• Seek TDIU when appropriate
• Appeal denied claims

You are not just another case. You are a veteran who deserves experienced representation and a team that understands how to navigate complex VA regulations.

SMC is additional VA disability compensation paid to veterans with severe service-connected disabilities or functional loss.

Yes. Many veterans with 100% ratings qualify for SMC depending on additional disabilities or functional limitations.

You can apply for SMC by filing a VA disability claim on their website by submitting medical evidence showing that your service-connected disability meets the criteria for SMC.

In many cases, the VA will automatically evaluate a veteran’s eligibility for SMC if medical documentation shows their disability meets the criteria, even if the veteran did not specifically request it.

Aid and Attendance is a type of SMC for veterans who require regular assistance with daily activities due to service-connected disabilities.

Loss of use refers to severe functional impairment of a limb or organ, even if it has not been amputated.

In some cases it should be awarded automatically when evidence supports eligibility, but it is frequently overlooked.

Yes. Advanced Parkinson’s that affects mobility, coordination, or independence may qualify.

Payment depends on the level of SMC awarded and whether the veteran has dependents.

You may be able to challenge the decision through review or appeal.

Call Wettermark Keith or complete our form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We will review your rating decision and medical evidence to determine whether you may qualify for enhanced benefits.