VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) Calculator

SMC-K is paid for specific anatomical losses or loss of use, including:

• Loss or loss of use of one hand or one foot
• Blindness in one eye (with light perception only)
• Permanent loss of use of a creative organ
• Complete organic aphonia (loss of voice)
• Deafness in both ears with no air or bone conduction

Key Feature: SMC-K is additive and can be combined with lower SMC levels (S, L, M, N), as long as the combined total does not exceed the SMC-O rate ($6,877.12). It is not payable on top of SMC-O, P, R1, R2, or T. Up to 3 SMC-K awards may be granted for different conditions.

SMC-S applies to veterans who are substantially confined to their dwelling due to disabilities. To qualify:

• Have a single service-connected disability rated 100%, AND
• Have additional service-connected disabilities independently rated 60% or more, OR
• Be permanently housebound due to service-connected disabilities

SMC-S is sometimes called "statutory housebound" and is separate from Aid and Attendance benefits.

SMC-L is paid when a veteran needs regular aid and attendance from another person due to service-connected disabilities. Qualifying conditions include:

• Blindness or near blindness in both eyes
• Being a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity
• Requiring assistance with daily activities (dressing, bathing, eating)
• Being bedridden apart from any prescribed course of treatment

SMC-T is specifically for veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who:

• Need in-home care for residuals of TBI
• Would otherwise require hospitalization or nursing home care
• Have family or caregiver providing the necessary supervision and care

This level recognizes the unique caregiving needs of veterans with severe TBI.

These intermediate levels are for veterans with increasingly severe combinations of disabilities:

• SMC-M ($5,408.55): Loss of use of both lower extremities plus aid and attendance
• SMC-N ($6,152.64): Loss of use of multiple limbs at higher levels
• SMC-O ($6,877.12): Various combinations of anatomical losses and disabilities requiring aid and attendance

SMC-P is reserved for exceptional disability situations where the VA determines the veteran's conditions warrant compensation above the O level but below R level. This is relatively rare and typically involves unique combinations of severe disabilities.

SMC-R represents the highest levels of compensation for veterans with the most severe disabilities:

• SMC-R1 ($9,826.88): Need for higher level of care such as would be provided in a nursing home
• SMC-R2 ($11,271.67): Need for highest level of personal health-care services, typically 24-hour supervision

Veterans qualifying for SMC-R typically have conditions such as quadriplegia, ALS, or severe traumatic brain injury.