Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is a tax-free benefit paid in addition to the regular VA Disability Compensation, to a veteran who, as a result of military service, suffered the loss or loss of use of specific organs or extremities.
What Disabilities Qualify For Special Monthly Compensation?
The disabilities VA can consider for SMC include:
- loss, or loss of use, of a hand or foot
- immobility of a joint or paralysis
- loss of sight of an eye (having only light perception)
- loss, or loss of use, of a reproductive organ
- complete loss, or loss of use, of both buttocks
- deafness of both ears (having absence of air and bone conduction)
- inability to communicate by speech (complete organic aphonia)
- loss of a percentage of tissue from a single breast, or both breasts, from mastectomy or radiation treatment
SMC can also be paid for combinations of disabilities:
- The VA will pay higher rates for combinations of these disabilities such as loss or loss of use of the feet, legs, hands, and arms based on the particular combination of the disabilities.
- There are also higher payments for various combinations of severe deafness with bilateral blindness.
- Additional SMC is available if a veteran is service connected for paraplegia, with complete loss of bowel and bladder control.
- In addition, if you have other service-connected disabilities that, in combination with the above special monthly compensation, meet certain criteria, a higher amount of SMC can also be considered.
- If you are service connected at the 100% rate and are housebound, bedridden, or so helpless to need the aid and attendance of another person, then SMC can be paid. The amount of SMC will vary depending on the level of aid and attendance needed.
View the current SMC payment tables
Applying for SMC
You should contact your local VA office at 800-827-1000, for information about applying for SMC. The VA has to review all the medical evidence available before they make a decision regarding the level of SMC to be paid.
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