>For member jfrei (SMC-t)

[Buck52]

jfrei

Just wanted to let you know

If you have not done so  check out the SMC-t Criteria for your TBI w/ residuals

As I under stand  if you been S.C for TBI & have  the Residuals you may qualify for the SMC-t  ?  and if you do .....>you may want to request it  or file a claim for it, I'm not sure how  so you may want to check with your VSO.

The SMC t is fairly new, but I was searching some of the SMC S to see if veterans qualify's for it when Awarded TDIU  w/ P&T AND Their disability is not expected to improve over there life time  and  they can't leave home for work   so in essences  this makes him/her Home Bound by reason of there S.C. Disability./ infact house bound

When a Veteran meets the Criteria for SMC or other special circumstances  the VA don't Always infer this to him/her. We veterans has to  put a bug in their ear so-to-speak & wake them up from their dream world or what ever type world they live in. and apply the CFR's and Dr's opinions medical reports to our s.c. disability's  ect,,,ect,, as this is what they want.

[jfrei]

On 10/7/2017 at 7:00 AM, Buck52 said:

jfrei

Just wanted to let you know

If you have not done so  check out the SMC-t Criteria for your TBI w/ residuals

As I under stand  if you been S.C for TBI & have  the Residuals you may qualify for the SMC-t  ?  and if you do .....>you may want to request it  or file a claim for it, I'm not sure how  so you may want to check with your VSO.

The SMC t is fairly new, but I was searching some of the SMC S to see if veterans qualify's for it when Awarded TDIU  w/ P&T AND Their disability is not expected to improve over there life time  and  they can't leave home for work   so in essences  this makes him/her Home Bound by reason of there S.C. Disability./ infact house bound

When a Veteran meets the Criteria for SMC or other special circumstances  the VA don't Always infer this to him/her. We veterans has to  put a bug in their ear so-to-speak & wake them up from their dream world or what ever type world they live in. and apply the CFR's and Dr's opinions medical reports to our s.c. disability's  ect,,,ect,, as this is what they want.

Thanks you the heads up I’ll be sure to ask about it soon, tomorrow for sure. I don’t even know who to ask now that I have no attorney I really don’t know who to ask at my RO

Edited October 25, 2017 by jfrei

[jfrei]

On 10/23/2017 at 2:00 AM, SupermanCannedy said:

Hi All, 

I am the caregiver for my USMC vet, Superman Cannedy. His TBIs have caused degeneration to the point where he can no longer navigate the internet, so I do it for him.  The best way to describe his current condition is that he is in Stage 6 of 7 on the Alzheimer's scale. Our VSO pointed us to SMC t to increase his A&A rate because he needs to hire more help in order to stay at home. But, the VSO didn't know much more than the basics, so I had to do the research myself before submitting the claim. Here is the simplified version of criteria needed to meet eligibility for T: 

1. SC at 100% for TBI

2. Already have or qualify for SMC L (the housebound A&A rate, which requires 60% of another rating, in addition to the 100%)

3. Medical proof that the vet is so helpless that without regular in home aid and attendance, they would need to be placed in a nursing home or other care facility. This is done by a specialist (NOT the primary care physician) with exam form VA 21-2680. 

This SMC was created for vets with chronic and severe cases of TBI who are at risk of being placed in a facility. It affords them the opportunity to hire in home caregivers instead. Chances are, if you can use internet and navigate through sites like this, you don't qualify for T.  However,  you may be a ghost writer for the vet (like me),  representing them  and advocating for them.  If you do believe you qualify, then you'll need to have your neurologist  or other specialist fill out form 21-2680. Make sure they state that "without regular in home care, the vet would need to be placed in a care facility" because the DO wants to see those magic words.  That's what this SMC is all about. Have them back up their reasoning (cognitive, memory and behavioral conditions) in a separate letter because they need to back up the reasoning behind their opinion. 

If you don't think you qualify for T, then try for L. Same form & same back up/support letter by the same specialist...just a lighter diagnosis  (your housebound, but don't yet qualify for placement in a care facility). 

The T is nearly impossible to get. Since the fast letter went out in 2011 only 125 vets have received it (according to the last stats I saw Dec 2016). I have yet to come across anyone, even in the vet and caregiver groups I am in, who has received the T or knows of anyone else who has.  I will keep checking. Happy researching and the best of luck to you!!  

**If you would like to dig into it deeper,  I am attaching a copy of "the Entitlement to SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(t) Based on the Need for A&A for Residuals of TBI" Scroll down to subject 11 for details on the T rating. 

Entitlement to SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(t) .docx

Sorry for missing the info but when you say if not for this he would need to be placed in a hospital. My wife has her masters in the medical field and if not for her help I can guarantee I would be placed somewhere not pleasant, is that something I can show to the neurologist when I ask him to fill it out? I want to get this right the first time until taking a few years to get to 100 %. P and T...I can almost know it will be denied as I am in my 30s but do you have to specifically call out which one your applying for or state a need for a hirer SMC then the S currently recieving.?

Edited December 9, 2017 by jfrei

[jfrei]

On ‎10‎/‎7‎/‎2017 at 7:00 AM, Buck52 said:

jfrei

Just wanted to let you know

If you have not done so  check out the SMC-t Criteria for your TBI w/ residuals

As I under stand  if you been S.C for TBI & have  the Residuals you may qualify for the SMC-t  ?  and if you do .....>you may want to request it  or file a claim for it, I'm not sure how  so you may want to check with your VSO.

The SMC t is fairly new, but I was searching some of the SMC S to see if veterans qualify's for it when Awarded TDIU  w/ P&T AND Their disability is not expected to improve over there life time  and  they can't leave home for work   so in essences  this makes him/her Home Bound by reason of there S.C. Disability./ infact house bound

When a Veteran meets the Criteria for SMC or other special circumstances  the VA don't Always infer this to him/her. We veterans has to  put a bug in their ear so-to-speak & wake them up from their dream world or what ever type world they live in. and apply the CFR's and Dr's opinions medical reports to our s.c. disability's  ect,,,ect,, as this is what they want.

Since your a moderator it wouldn't let me leave a thanks emoji so I thought I would finally say it thanks I've read this I am still working on waiting on this next claim. I am not delaying any more of my claims until they have finished and its should be real soon. I am awaiting for the BVA decision to mail out the letter of my decision for two issues that would work on the start of my 100 back to 2010 and not 2016. But I know they say claims don't hold up claims with appeals but I know first hand I put in a FOIA request for my C&P exams and at the time my claim was with the VLJ they kicked it back to the administration case pending sent both exam waited a month before back with a judge again. Now a decision has been made two days ago and I just want to know whats the decision all I have to gain is an EED of 100%. I figure once I receive the decision I am walking into my RO and asking to speak with a VSO to help. I can fill it myself I would think from what I gathered on here from everyone but I didnt know if they know anything else as P and T I should be getting as filing for a increase for my migraines cant raise my P and T rating just the 0% they gave me for my daily headaches... My dumbass didnt know what prostrating meant until after the exam which was over a year ago now. Sorry for my scattered rambling this was suppose to be just a thank you to Buck....

[Buck52]

Roger that  jfrei

Sounds good to me...one thing I wanted to let you know

 No matter what happens with your claim's

please stay in treatments for your TBI that is very important for you!

[jfrei]

SSDI was approved don’t know if this would help if I ever apply for SMC T with my P and T rating for my residuals, neurocognitive disorder, and PTSD. Unlike the VA they separated my issues. Also my headaches were in their decision and the VA said they were 0%..

Edited December 20, 2017 by jfrei

[Navy04]

All evidence helps, just remember that it is still up to the VA and Raters to decide whether or not to accept the evidence. The SSDI people tend to lean more towards Vets as most are proud of their jobs. The VA is a total different animal on the other hand. Both VA and SSA guide lines and claims process can be Stressful, but in my case I found the exams not so bad thru the SSA. Either way always good to hear the great news. Good luck and enjoy the holidays.