Comprehensive Assistance For Family Care Givers-PCAFC

[allansc2005]

Got a veteran and his wife who were just approved for the PCAFC program. The veteran needs 24/7 care.

 

Veteran is 100% SC if that matters.

 

Does this PCAFC program automatically qualify the veteran for SMC-R, or will he have to ask/apply for it?

 

Thanks,  2-2-0 HOOAH!

 

 

 

 

[Richard1954]

On 5/3/2022 at 9:25 AM, allansc2005 said:

Does this PCAFC program automatically qualify the veteran for SMC-R,

No being in the program is not automatic for any smc. 

SMC are supposted to be granted automatically when the va becames aware that the veteran qualifies for the SMC.

SMC rating are normally given during the process of adjudication of a claim. as a example:

 veteran puts in claim for dropfoot, he gets 40% rating and  is awarded SMC K

[allansc2005]

Richard, do you have SMC-R?

 

If so, what was the path like to get it?

 

Thanks

 

Allan 2-2-0 HOOAH!

[Richard1954]

3 minutes ago, allansc2005 said:

Richard, do you have SMC-R?

No I do not . I have 4 SMC's but not R.. 

There are different qualifications for each SMC,  but they are all basically granted the same way which is usually in conjection with an adjudicated claim.

 

Belolw are how someone would qualify for SMC R:

 

Special Monthly Compensation Level R: Aid and Attendance

To qualify for Special Monthly Compensation under Level R, a veteran must:

Qualify for SMC under Level O OR under Levels N ½ and K together

AND

Require the help of another person every day (aid and attendance) to perform the majority of the following tasks

Dressing and undressing

Cleaning and grooming

Eating

Using the restroom

Adjusting prosthetic or orthopedic appliances frequently (that is, appliances that most people could adjust on their own)

A veteran can also qualify if:

His/Her disability (mental or physical) requires that another person regularly helps to keep him/her from harming himself/herself or others.

OR

He/she is bedridden. That is, his/her condition is severe enough that it requires him/her to always be in bed. This rule does not apply if the veteran chooses to remain in bed or if a doctor prescribes a period of bed rest.

Level R compensation is not given if the individual is hospitalized or in a care institution, only if they are being cared for at home.

Special Monthly Compensation Level R1 vs. Level R2

There are two different levels of Level R (R1 and R2), depending on the level of care needed.

Level R1 is given if the aid and attendance needed can be performed by a non-professional, like a family member or friend.

Level R2 is given if the aid and attendance must be provided by a licensed medical professional or someone working on behalf of a licensed medical professional. To qualify for R2, VA must judge that the veteran would have to be hospitalized or put in a nursing home (or other institution) if he/she did not have professional care at home.

SMC under Level R, whether R1 or R2, is paid instead of any other compensation for any other condition (except for a separate condition under Level K). If you qualify for Level R, you will not receive any other disability pay from the VA, including for regular VA disability ratings.