Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a monthly payment you can receive if you need benefits that go above regular Veterans Disability benefits. SMC can cover additional assistance and care that you require.
A Houston Veterans Disability claims lawyer can provide you with more information about SMC benefits. An attorney can also go over eligibility requirements and help you apply for the benefits you earned through your service to our country.
What is Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) from the VA?
SMC from the VA is an extra payment available to veterans who have a 100% disability rating and have unique or severe challenges from their service-related conditions. The VA offers several types of SMC.
Generally, these categories depend on the disabilities you have and the needs associated with the disability. An attorney can review your situation and condition to help you determine if you qualify for any kind of SMC from the VA.
How Much is SMC?
Current special monthly compensation rates vary based on the type of SMC you receive and your family circumstances.
For example, you will generally receive different amounts if you are:
- Living alone
- Living with your spouse
- Living with one or more of your parents
- Living with one or more children
Additionally, SMC compensation rates may change over time in line with adjustments to the cost of living in the country. You should speak to a lawyer to determine the exact amount of compensation you could receive through SMC, so you know what to expect from these benefits.
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Do All Disabilities Qualify You for SMC?
Not all service-connected disabilities qualify you to receive SMC from the VA. Generally, you must have a 100% disability rating and additional needs to qualify for SMC, though the specifics of your eligibility may vary.
You may qualify for these benefits if you have a disability rating of 100% and:
- Are bedridden or housebound
- Are deaf in both ears
- Have lost your sight in one or both eyes
- Do not have the ability to speak
- Do not have the use of a hand or foot
- Experience paralysis
- Experience some forms of paraplegia
- Lost a reproductive organ
An attorney can review your medical condition and help you determine if you qualify for SMC. You do not have to try to go through this process on your own. Contact a lawyer to learn what VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is and how it can help with the financial pressures you experience.
How Do You Apply for SMC from the VA?
You will need to provide evidence that you qualify for SMC to get this benefit. In some cases, you’ll need to submit a specific SMC claim. In other cases, an attorney could show that the evidence you submitted for your original Veterans Disability benefits clearly shows that you need SMC coverage.
Ideally, the VA should automatically provide you with SMC benefits. However, in many cases, the VA will not offer these benefits until you’ve specifically requested them, often with the help of an attorney.
To go through the application process, you will need to:
- Fill out VA Form 21-2680
- Provide medical evidence to support the severity of your condition
- Submit your application online, in person, or by email
If you already receive VA Disability benefits, you may need to file a Supplemental Claim with VA Form 20-0995. When filing a supplemental claim, you may need to offer new evidence to the VA to support the claim and clarify the severity of your condition.
What Evidence Do You Need to Request SMC Benefits?
You’ll need to provide medical evidence to the VA if you want SMC benefits.
Examples of potential evidence could include:
- The results of a C&P exam
- A letter from your physician
- Confirmation of your anatomical losses
- Documents from medical specialists
- Records from your physical therapy
- Statements from your caregivers
An attorney can help you gather this information and prepare your claim for SMC benefits. You can also rely on a skilled attorney to help if you need Veterans Disability benefits from the VA. You do not have to try to get these benefits on your own.
Talk to Us About Applying for SMC Benefits from the VA
What is the VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)? SMC is an additional benefit offered by the VA to some veterans who have a 100% disability rating and other health conditions. Not all veterans qualify for SMC.
Our team at Marc Whitehead & Associates can review your situation and help you determine if you qualify to receive SMC from the VA. We have over 120 years of combined experience handling Veterans Disability claims, and we’re ready to get to work for you.
We can determine if you qualify for SMC benefits, and we’ll walk you through each stage of the application process. Reach out now and learn more about how we can help with your claim.
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