SMC-S and SMC-K

[Jimmer]

Hi Everyone! I want to thank you all for the great job, that you are doing.   Your "wealth" of information has help me a great deal, getting claims approved, which I am throughly grateful for.  I have a question.  I am receiving SMC-S as a result of 100% diaphragmatic paralysis, 80% for vision, and several other disabilities.  My eye doctor, who used to work at the VA informed me, that I am now "legally blind" in my left eye, and that i meet the criteria for SMC-K.  He has written two letters stating just that.  My VSO says that SMC-K, is included in the SMC-S. My eye doctor says "hell no", that SMC-K is separate from SMC-S, and that I meet the criteria the VA established for being legally blind in one eye.  I am confused.  Is the SMC-K separate from SMC-S?  My eye doctor tells me to go ahead and apply.   Thanks Jimmer

[GBArmy]

Jimmer Winner, winner Chicken dinner. You meet the requirements of SMC (k)-loss of one eye, and SMC (s) is a totally separate grant. I don't want to make light of your disabilities. It's nice, however, to get compensated if you have them. K is like $110 a month in addition to what you receive on SMC (s). You can have multiple (k) awards. Read this article https://cck-law.com/blog/newsspecial-monthly-compensation-series-smcs/

[Jimmer]

GB Army, Thanks for your answer.  This clarifies the situation for me.  Thanks for the article it is really helpgul!  Jimmer

[broncovet]

While I agree with GBArmy, I would go one step further.  "If" you are legally blind, you could also be "housebound in fact" (SMC S), and/or you could be in need of "aid and attendance" (SMC L). 

You can get "multiple" SMC K ratings.  For example, you can get SMC K for blindness, you can also get an additional SMC K for, say, Erectile dysfunction and other things, too, if you are eligible:

 

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/3.350

[Jimmer]

broncovet, thanks for the information.  I never thought about that! I wasn't aware you could get multiple  SMC-K ratings.  I have several issues that I think I would be in need of, i.e., "aid and attendance", .  You input is always appreciated  broncovet!

[john999]

There are a lot of people at the VA and VSO's who have wrong information.  Always check it out here just like you did.  VA doctor told me I would never get more than 30% and now have P&T plus SMC-S.  

[Jimmer]

John, you are absolutely right!  I know I will always  get concise  accurate information from Hadit.com !