In February 2020 in eBenefits under the benefits tab the following was awarded to me after hernia surgery in Dec 2019 (hernia was a va comp disability; I file d for temp total disability for the convalescence time of the surgery; convalescence time was 30 days-Dr. Order). I began receiving the extra pay for the SMC- S1 in February 2021. My VA letter showed the showed the I had now been rated at 80% but with the inclusion of the SMC- S1 it is a lot more money than 80%. In May 2020 I called the VA 800 number and asked if I am still supposing to be receiving this amount of money with the SMC-S1? The guy said what's your latest letter say? I told him the amount (including the SMC -S1 amount) and he said that's what you're supposed to be getting. I received another award letter dated June 28, 2020 which showed still 80 % disability but still had the much more amount of money due to the SMC - S1.
In November 2020 I requested an audit of my account and the guy on the phone this time said you shouldn't be being paid the amount you're getting with the SMC s1 anymore; you should only getting the 80% amount due to you. He said he was going to notify Veteran Services Center about it. I received a letter Nov 23rd with my audit and it said they couldn't address my entitlement issue of continued convalescence pay and have sent my inquiry to the Veterans Service Center.
It is now April 20201 and I am still receving the SMC -S1. What gives? This isn't a permanent is it? Even my DAV rep and his supervisor said I shouldn't still be getting the SMC -S1 but, there are records of me notifying the VA of this, they said.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Please. Thank you.
SMC (S-1)Effective Date : 12/12/2019
Entitled to special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1114, subsection (s) and 38 CFR 3.350(i) on account of inguinal hernia rated 100 percent and additional service-connected disabilities of right shoulder impingement syndrome, status/post rotator cuff tear, radiculopathy, left lower extremity, sciatic nerve, right shoulder impingement syndrome, status/post rotator cuff tear with traumatic arthritis(previously rated DC 5201-5019), post traumatic stress disorder, independently ratable at 60 percent or more from 12/12/2019 to 01/31/2020.
Rating Date : 02/21/2020