Special Monthly Compensation is a cash compensation (paid in addition to the regular Disability Compensation) to a veteran who, as a result of military service, incurred the loss or loss of use of specific organs or extremities.
According to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, loss, or loss of use, is described as either an amputation or, having no effective remaining function of an extremity or organ. 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
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, in specific monetary increments, 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.
View the current 2014 SMC payment tables
Applying for SMC
You should contact your local VA regional office at 1-800-827-1000, for information about applying for SMC or visit the VA website to learn how to apply online.
