Process for SMC?

[AFguy1999]

I am curious about the process and true assessment for SMC.  It seems so far that what I’ve read on the VA Website is a bit vague?  Do you folks by chance have any guides or more detailed information>

Edited Thursday at 02:13 PM by AFguy1999

[AFguy1999]

Thanks, I was really curious what would qualify for that -- for example, if you have degenerative back disease, and some times out of the year something triggers 10/10 severe pain for weeks.  You cannot move without a walker for weeks at a time.  Cannot dress yourself at that time.  But once its over, you can.

[brokensoldier244th]

About what? There are several kinds of SMC for several different situations. All have different criteria.

You’re going to need to be more specific about what your question is.

[broncovet]

SMC is Special Monthly Compensation for Veterans with severe disabilities.  

For example, if you have lost the use of one or more limbs, your eyes, a reproductive organ (inluding ED), or other organs.  

Its also for housebound (SMC S) and/or aid and attendance (SMC L). 

For the most part, if you have full use of your limbs, vision, hearing, reproductive organs, etc, and you dont need aid and attendance, then you may not be eiligible. 

One notable exception:

   If you have a "single" 100 percent disability (TDIU counts, at least sometimes), and additional disabilities that combine to 60 percent or more, seperate and distinct, then you should get statuatory housbound, even if you are not substantially confined to your home.   

Edited Thursday at 04:38 PM by broncovet

[relatively happy camper]

there are many other reasons you could qualify for either HB or A&A SMC

[brokensoldier244th]

11 minutes ago, AFguy1999 said:

Thanks, I was really curious what would qualify for that -- for example, if you have degenerative back disease, and some times out of the year something triggers 10/10 severe pain for weeks.  You cannot move without a walker for weeks at a time.  Cannot dress yourself at that time.  But once its over, you can.

SMC is more like a permanent upgrade to the disability pay based on the cumulative and permanent nature of whatever disabilities you have. There is 1 that is usually pretty simple to get (for men) with ED- that would be SMC K, Loss of use of a creative organ. I think women have gotten it also for things like hysterectomies and whatnot. Its is a straight 137.00 (this year) and your condition is usually rated 0%. The rest are biggies, though: aid and attendance, housebound, loss of limbs or eyes, etc. 

[broncovet]

Of course, I could have gone on and on and on about SMC.  I just hit the highlights.  Better is to read this and see if you qualify.  Its a complex read, many do not understand, to include VSO's, VA employees, and even many attorney's dont have expertise on SMC.  There are good law firms, however, well versed in 

SMC, such as CCK law, Carpenter Chartered, Hill and Ponton, Chris Attig and others.  

It would take months or years  to fully explain SMC in all its details.  Generally, look through these and see if any of these apply to you.  

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