Special Monthly Compenstion (smc)

[Charleese]

Hi everyone,

Can someone tell me if a person has a Knee Brace can they get a clothing allowance? If so would this be considered a SMC and what code would it be under and what amount would he get?

Also, what about ED is that considered SMC? What code and what amount.

Thanks!

[Berta]

If th brace is considered an orthopedic devise needed for treatment of an SC condition- I would say the veteran should apply for the clothing allowance:

"The provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1162, which govern the

payment of clothing allowances by VA, stipulate that such

allowance shall be paid on a yearly basis to a veteran who,

because of a service-connected disability, wears or uses a

prosthetic or orthopedic appliance (including a wheelchair)

that the Secretary determines tends to wear out or tear the

veteran's clothing; or who uses medication which a physician

has prescribed for a skin disability that is due to a

service-connected disability and which the Secretary

determines causes irreparable damage to the veteran's outer

garments. See also 38 C.F.R. § 3.810(a). "

ED is an SMC "K" award and pays 89.00 extra in monthly comp.

[Charleese]

Hi Berta,

The VA fitted him for this Brace for his Left Knee, so what would that be called?

Edited May 18, 2007 by Charleese

[Berta]

If the knee disability is service connected- I would consider that as an orthopedic devise necessary for his SC condition and I would definitely file a claim for the annual clothing allowance-as this could certainly produce wear and tear on clothing.

[Charleese]

Thanks Berta,

His left knee is service connected and he will file for clothing allowance as well a Atrophy of the left thigh, which when he had his 2004 exam the examiner stated "The examiner states that you have atrohy of the left thigh because of the limited use of the left knee."