Respiratory Cancer, AO presumptive

[RockyA1911 1]

Hi all,

Been a while since I have been on here.  I had a lung resection on Valentines day and have had a long recovery.  After removal of tumor it was later diagnosed with Stage 4 Squamous Cell Carcinoma located in my pleural cavity.  I am treated every 21 days with infusion of Keytruda, an immunotherapy drug.  I will have to have the rest of my life.  I filed a new claim today for Cancer, Respiratory....Presumptive Agent Orange Condition.  I have been SMC-S housebound award since 2008.   My question is.....while undergoing treatment for service connected AO presumption condition, the VA rates that condition 100% and since what I have is debilitating condition that will require treatment rest of my life it is likely to be one more condition that is permanent 100%.  Since I already have a service connected condition rated at 100% alone and others that are 70%,70%, 50%, 10%, 10% that is the SMC-S...…..is there any other SMC that would increase due to TWO SEPERATE Conditions each stand alone 100% each with others totaling 60% or more?

[broncovet 3,684]

The way I read it, yes.  But you read it yourself:

https://cck-law.com/blog/special-monthly-compensation-explained/

 

[Richard1954 179]

11 hours ago, RockyA1911 said:

s there any other SMC that would increase due to TWO SEPERATE Conditions each stand alone 100% each with others totaling 60% or more?

Under Housebound there is only one level 

You should apply for Aid And attendance 

2 -100% ratings would  entitle you to Aid and Attendance at the M level  the  new rate is       $ 4265.31 a month for just veteran or $4438.49 with spouse

 

https://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/resources_comp02.asp

Edited December 11, 2019 by Richard1954

[RockyA1911 1]

Thanks. I researched the M SMC but it appears it is a RAMP type that extra 100% moved from L to M. The problem I see with me is that I am SMC-S and nothing above that, so no SMC beyond the S to RAMP up to.  I have Hospice/Palliative care VA contracted for.  I guess we will see, it will be up to VA to determine if there would be a change in SMC and which one.  VA is now paying for me to have my every 21 day infusions of Keytruda locally near my home instead of having to drive to Iowa City every 21 days.  In fact all my oncology the VA has transferred to Genesis Cancer Center, 4 miles from home.  My current SMC-S below, not including recent pending claim for Respiratory Cancer AO

1. Head Neck Cancer AO - 2008 - 100%
2.  TBI -- 70%
3.  PTSD- 70%
4.  Skull Loss - 50%
5.  Hypothyroidism - 10%
6.  Scar on head - 10%
7.  Tinnitus - 10% 

[Richard1954 179]

3 hours ago, RockyA1911 said:

he problem I see with me is that I am SMC-S and nothing above that, so no SMC beyond the S to RAMP up to. 

This is exactly why I told you in my previous post that you need to apply for SMC Aid and attendance.... It seems to me you would qualify for Aid and Attendance based on what you have said here if you get the respiratory cancer service connected.  It also looks to me like you qualify for Aid and attendance right now at L 1/2 based on the fact you have at least one separate  condition rated 60 %  or more in addition to your 100% rating, And you need  and have actual assistance right now. Have your doctor fill out the application form for Housebound/Aid & Attendance, noting that you should be on aid and attendance.

Edited December 11, 2019 by Richard1954