SMC (SPECIAL MONTHLY COMPENSATION)-WHAT IS IT?

Member Carla writes and says “my husband has lost the use of his creative organ for all intents and purposes. They attribute this to his DM2. He was also blinded in one eye from shell fragments during a mortar attack in Vietnam during his tour. They were paying him Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) K. My question is simple. Can he have two K ratings at the same time? Our VSO says no and won’t file us for it. What’s the law?”

Well, Carla. Ratings accrue from 0% up to 100%. Certain parts and pieces we’re missing are remunerated slightly differently beyond 100%. Finally, if we are missing too many or some go bad, we advance up the ladder. SMC is awarded for “quality of life” issues above and beyond 100% disability. Up until 1961, only those Vets who had served in a time of war qualified. Here are the SMC compensation dollar amount tables.

https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/special-monthly-compensation-rates/

At the end, when we are on our deathbed, we’re often actually entitled to SMC (r) (2) for that short period before we kick over assuming the proper, multiple causes are service connected (of course). Sadly, since VA doesn’t keep its finger on your pulse, you need to file for these deficits even though the law says VA is supposed to “infer” it. If they can’t see you, they dang sure can’t infer you. Best to file a claim for this just so you’re covered as soon as you see it coming. Doing a verbal “informal” claim on VA’s Dial-a-Prayer/Prize Redemption Line (800 827-1000) is not advised. Seems sometimes they “disremember” that you called. So, without further ado, let’s learn about SMC. I’m warning you ahead of time that this is probably the most confusing system in the VA’s repertoire. One of the highest SMC awards (T) is alphabetically after the second-lowest rating (S) above (K). Go figure.

In the course of this article, you will see the SMC rates expressed as lower case and upper case letters. Ignore that. It takes three strokes to parenthesize (s) versus S. I got lazy while doing this so you’ll see them expressed both ways. Six of one and half a dozen of another. You’ll also learn how to file for two A&A awards under SMC L because VA lets you pyramid your SMC. Interesting? You bet. Read on.

SMC K Awards

So… Carla. Think of your husband as Mr. Potato Head® for an example. Yeah, I know. In the new, woke world, Mr. P’s getting a lot of negative press. Let’s imagine him as a Veteran starting out complete. Now let’s start removing  eyes, arms, legs, breasts and butts and see what happens. He has lost an eye so he gets SMC K  number one. Ka-ching–$118.33/month (2022 rates). But, your VSO representative is very, very wrong on the number of SMC Ks you can receive. In the immortal words of Gomer Pyle, Surprise, surprise , surprise, huh? The reason is simple. They don’t teach SMC to VSOs. I can’t tell you why.

So now, you move forward and say Romeo Tango (Roger That or R/T). Loss of, or loss of use of, a creative organ (we’ll forego illustrating this on Mr. Potato Head™ in order for him to keep his dignity)–Ka-ching. SMC (K)– $118.33 more dollars a month. Each and every condition listed in 38 CFR §3.350 (a) Special Monthly Compensation  is a stand alone item worth the $118.33. This set dollar amount is added to your current compensation check for your X% rating disability.

Obviously, this largesse hits a trip wire eventually. If you are 100% service connected for Hepatitis C and you have some of these items, they are stand alone (K) ratings that qualify. If, and when, the aggregate total of these injuries meets or exceeds what you would be entitled to under SMC S, the gravy trains stops. There is no limit to K awards-other than that you can really only have three if you are at 100% schedular or TDIU. The reason is the pyramiding clause in §4.14. If you’re at 100% for $ compensation purposes, the addition of more than three SMC Ks would take you over what is paid for SMC S. If you don’t qualify for S, then they can’t pay you more than that amount.

As I mentioned above, three Ks is the limit if you are at 100% or even at SMC S, L, M or N.  But until you attain the 100% (or TDIU), the sky’s the limit. One can also see she/he, they, them, theirs would need to have a complete, and boy howdy do I mean a complete Chelsey Manning makeover  to get all of them. Nobody’s tried to lasso that one yet but I can conceive of it coming soon considering the VA is now offering gender reassignment surgery. In a world where men can become pregnant and called ‘birthing persons’ and ‘chest feeders’, I only strive for clarity here-no moral high ground. I really don’t care what your pronouns are.

SMC, in the words of Robert Chisholm, is the art of the possible. It’s so nouveau and the case law is so sparse, that VA attempts to suppress knowledge of its very existence. When that fails, VA grants it to sweep it under the carpet. A VA Coach’s Prime Directive is to quash this in its infancy if at all possible. If that fails and you win at the BVA, they welcome you with open arms into the Zeros for Heroes Club and you begin all over again.

Here’s the criteria for (K) 

Mastectomy or even a partial one (see criteria)

Loss of testicle(s)

Loss of, or loss of use of use of, creative organ (male or female)

A foot; or

a hand

both buttocks (the quintessential Forest Gump injury)

totally deaf

Aphonia (loss of speech)

one eye

Extremely unfavorable complete ankylosis of the knee, or complete ankylosis of two major joints of an extremity, or shortening of the lower extremity of 3 1/2 inches or more, will constitute loss of use of the hand or foot involved.

Complete paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal) and consequent foot drop, accompanied by characteristic organic changes including trophic and circulatory disturbances and other concomitants confirmatory of complete paralysis of this nerve, will be taken as loss of use of the foot.

SMC S Awards

The next higher stand alone SMC is SMC (s).  Congress is to blame for the SMC alphabet choices. SMC S is a lower value SMC than SMC L-P. To be sure, you may collect the three SMC (k) ratings above as well as SMC (s). By law, your SMC Ks and SMC S cannot exceed the next higher rating of SMC L. SMC S is sometimes called the housebound rating. If you are confined to your home because of medical conditions that keep you home, and your doctor will sign something that says so in no uncertain terms, then you will qualify as “substantially” housebound under §3.350(i)(2) with just a 100% or a TDIU rating.

The most common way Veterans qualify for S  is to have a 100% schedular rating or TDIU for a singular disability and a separate, additional 60% or more in combined ratings (using convoluted VA math) unrelated to the initial 100%/TDIU qualifier. Those are the general parameters. VA strictly enforces the singular disability clause. However, one disease process such as Diabetes Mellitus Type II also includes secondaries like peripheral neuropathy and would be considered one disease process. Ditto Parkinson’s disease or IHD with hypertension etc. Now, when SMC S was instituted in 1945-ish, it was reserved for Vets who had served in a time of war only. You didn’t have to be an Eleven Bravo or in a combat theatre but just have served and be in possession of a National Defense Service Medal (NDSM). It’s open to all, now.

Other Veterans Help sites confuse SMC S as somehow being a “lower” form of aid and attendance. It isn’t. VA  merely uses the same form- the  21-2680- to determine whether you need housebound benefits or aid and attendance. The form asks certain questions. Depending on how you answer them will determine your eligibility to SMC S or L. If you can’t remember to take your medications due to your condition, or you can’t prepare meals because of your condition, you need a&a. Here’s the form they use.

VAF 21-2680 No Template

Now, I get asked this by every single Vet who finds out about this “secret” rating the VSOs never tell you about. “So, dude, I get the 100% check for $3,517.54 a month (2022) and I get the SMC S rate on top of that, right?” Negatory, fellers. VA is on a reduced bonus diet these days. They don’t hand out money like Mardi Gras beads on Fat Tuesday. Think of it like being promoted from PFC to Corporal. In this case, you get a $345 raise per month up from what you were getting with the 100% comp. Think of SMC S as hostile fire pay or a  flight pay add on. VA Raters used to tell  everyone we Vets call this our ‘Corvette payment’. Yeah, right. $350/month won’t cover a Camry payment.

The Howell v. Nicholson  Argument (or not).

And here, we enter a footnote -a very important one. Read the following decision on SMC S and what the VA Secretary says about it. The consensus precedent opinion  in Howell v. Nicholson says SMC (s) is not based on a medical consideration but a work consideration. I no longer agree with others on this. My take on Howell is read the whole decision and it simply says if you are incapable of leaving the house to earn an income, you are entitled to SMC at the (s) rate based on being truly housebound. The VA likes to say if you can leave the house to attend a c&p exam then you ain’t very housebound. That’s the wrong legal standard of review.

https://asknod.wordpress.com/2014/08/25/cavc-howell-v-nicholson-what-smc-s-really-says/

The regulation(§3.350(i) specifies that you must be either ratable at a combination of 60% worth of separate and distinct disabilities (or more) above a TDIU (or a 100% schedular rating) or with TDIU alone and with extraordinary disability conditions to be eligible. If you have one disease or injury rated at 100% and you are undebatably housebound in all but name only, they may grant. A letter from a doctor would be great help stating as much. Download the 21-2680 form and have your doctor fill it out and then you submit it with a 526 claim form asking for SMC S. Do not let the doctor submit it. SMC S is an extra $397.58 above the normal 100% rating of  $3517.84 (with spouse) for a whopping $3915.42/month (2022). A codicil to this is that each and every illness/injury has to be separate and distinct from your 100% (or TDIU item) to qualify. If you have peripheral neuropathy secondary to DM2, those are injuries/illnesses that are distinct and separate but still can be used in combination to qualify for aid and attendance as part and parcel of a single disease process.

Shell fragment wounds to several parts of your body (muscle groups) are all related to one injury or event and are not distinct and separate. VA will get down and dirty on this. Expect a lot of mistakes on what constitutes a “separate and distinct illness above and beyond the primary rating for the TDIU/100%”. They all have to be service connected, too. A complete, different illness separate from the rated one (like cirrhosis (DC 7312)),  secondary to the Hepatitis, involves a different element (the liver’s deterioration).  Much debate occurs on this and raters make much mistakes after smoking too much M 21. That’s why I write about this.

And before we continue the alphabet disability parade, there are certain times you get a “bye” on a given SMC requirement and advance even higher. Remember, SMC allows you to pyramid certain entitlements. Cool beans, huh?

SMC L Awards

The next big step up the ladder is the aforementioned SMC L. The requirements of L will invariably carry over some of the (k) ratings because this is an incremental potato head game. L does not hinge on percentages, per se. You need one index disease generally rated as 100% total but the definition of blindness can be argued. Now, I get in arguments with raters at  HLR hearings and they point to M 21-1 IV.ii 2.H.8.b. That reference says you have to be rated at 100%. Absent is any mention of TDIU. That’s pure hooey. I’ve gotten Vets SMC L for a&a based on a 50% rating for PTSD. The trick is simple. You have to have “a factual need” under §3.351(c)(3)- read as a diagnosis- that you cannot accomplish one of the items on the list in §3.352(a).

If you qualify for L, it’s $ 4331.94/month in 2022$ as a married Vet. The Forest Gump exemption is still there if you lost your buttocks. If you do, you get to throw in that SMC (k) and any others (up to three) for $103.23/month each on top of your L. That’s not the end of (k)s because you can add them to M and N, too. Oh, and you can keep the (K) for the loss of use of your creative organ too. The fact is, you can keep three of your SMC (k) ratings  with an L rating as long as the combination doesn’t exceed what is paid for SMC M. As I mentioned before, it would be pyramiding to collect more than M if you were only rated at L.

SMC L is paid based on any of these:

1. Loss of, or loss of use of both feet, or;
2. one hand and one foot
3. 5/200 visual acuity or less bilaterally qualifies for entitlement under 38 U.S.C. 1114(l). However, evaluation of 5/200 based on acuity in excess of that degree but less than 10/200 (§ 4.83 of this chapter), does not qualify. Concentric contraction of the field of vision beyond 5 degrees in both eyes is the equivalent of 5/200 visual acuity.
4. Need for the aid and attendance of another
5. Permanently bedridden

 Nota Bene…

Need for aid and attendance— The criteria for determining that a veteran is so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance are contained in § 3.352(a). But the regulation saying you require a diagnosis to get it is listed under §3.351(c)(3).

Permanently bedridden–The criteria for rating are contained in § 3.352(a). Where possible, determinations should be on the basis of permanently bedridden rather than for need of aid and attendance (except where 38 U.S.C. 1114(r) is involved) to avoid reduction during hospitalization where aid and attendance is provided in kind. But if you go for bedridden, it wipes out any chances of ever getting two aid and attendance ratings to get to SMC R. I strongly suggest you always fight for a&a.

The loss of, or loss of use of an extremity (hand, foot) is based on the SMC(K) rule (a)(2). This generally is an amputation or impairment closest to the first joint the extremity is attached to. The half steps are for amputation or loss closer to the trunk of the body such as above the knee or elbow. SMC P is a laundry list of odds and ends combined to instruct on all the possible combinations and the proper SMC rating for each. A lot of times the combination of disabilities doesn’t fit a (P) but VA errs on the side of a lower rating.

SMC L pays $4331.91/month with spouse, so this works out to  $814.84 more per month than a simple 100% rating.  The amount of SMC Ks added to the SMC L cannot exceed what is paid in SMC M-the next higher rate- unless it is described in SMC P.  Generally, someone who qualifies for SMC S eventually deteriorates over time and moves up the SMCs to L or M.

The “Bump” Clause in §3.350(f)(3) and (f)(4)

Now, if you qualify for L as a stand alone rating based on one disability rated at 100% schedular, and you also had Hepatitis C for 100%, you would automatically advance to SMC (M) See §3.350(f)(4). If you have a 50% or greater rating on an  a disease/injury [regardless of whether the individual diseases, or injuries are of different etiology] and qualify for (L) as a stand alone, then you could theoretically advance with an additional bump to (L½). There is much discussion on this “bump” business. VA raters say the M 21 forbids both bumps. There is currently a case going up to the Fed. Circus on this subject which may settle the question forevermore. (They lost but it’s at the Fed. Circuit now). I had hoped to defeat that some day because §3.350(f)(3) is wonderfully ambiguous as to whether you can award multiple half-step bumps.   If you have a separate and distinct, stand alone 100% schedular rating with award of SMC L, you get a bump from L to M. But you could file for a separate SMC L for A&A for that too. If you had SMC M for LOU of the upper extremities and a 100%, you’d bump from SMC M to N. Under the same theory, you can have a 50% or more rating  (or combinations adding up to 50%) and get the 1/2 step bump  by VA’s current regulation. Remember its either conjunctively (and)- or disjunctively (or) phrased to understand it. If neither are there for clarification, the regulation or statute that grants the greater benefit is for application. Well, yeah unless you look at it myopically as VA does who tries to minimize the grant.  It’s an interesting codicil and one very few raters, let alone BVA judges are even aware of. I’ve found several BVA decisions on this where both bumps- (§3.350(f)(3) and (4))- were awarded.

Here’s an interesting example of bumps. If you had LOU (loss of use) of the upper extremities, You’d be awarded SMC M. If you had another 100% schedular disability for IHD or Parkinson’s, you’d bump up to N. If the Courts allow the half-step bump up to N 1/2 as well, and you had a SMC K for LOU of a creative organ, then you get the big bump up to SMC O. Think Chutes and Ladders.

Obviously, the big banana is to go after two SMC Ls for aid and attendance to reach the higher tier of SMC R1. Most of you will never qualify due to your extremities still being in working order by VA’s estimation. This helps get you around that inequity. I will list these here for your education/edification but the discussion of R1 below is still pertinent.

https://www.va.gov/vetapp21/Files12/A21019424.txt

https://www.va.gov/vetapp18/files8/18126101.txt

https://www.va.gov/vetapp97/files1/9703147.txt

https://www.va.gov/vetapp04/files/0404466.txt

https://www.va.gov/vetapp15/files6/1552412.txt

https://www.va.gov/vetapp18/files8/18125531.txt

https://www.va.gov/vetapp18/files3/1814284.txt

https://www.va.gov/vetapp19/files3/19118790.txt

https://www.va.gov/vetapp19/files4/19125607.txt

https://www.va.gov/vetapp19/files11/a19002711.txt

https://www.va.gov/vetapp21/files2/a21003790.txt

https://www.va.gov/vetapp22/Files6/A22011675.txt

Sometimes I cringe at the thought of publishing these tricks for fear that VA will just change the regs to forbid it. I guess we really don’t have to worry because it isn’t like hordes of VSO service officers are  likely to file their clients for SMC. Remember, they’ll argue you breathless that this SMC crap is just a fig newton of your imagination and doesn’t even exist.

SMC M Awards

The next step is  SMC (M). Mr. Potato Head™ is gradually losing his ability to ambulate and see. He is now wheelchair bound unless he’s very adroit with a bunch of prostheses. Or, if he has a SMC L for a&a and another 100% for IHD or Parkinson’s, he gets the §3.350(f)(4) bump up to M. Or, if he has SMC L for being blind, they bump him up to M if he needs A&A. Always remember this SMC game is like Chutes and Ladders.  Here’s the next set of  required missing parts if you go strictly by the way the regulation is written on losses of parts and pieces.

Anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands;

Anatomical loss or loss of use of both legs at a level, or with complications, preventing natural knee action with prosthesis in place;

Anatomical loss or loss of use of one arm at a level, or with complications, preventing natural elbow action with prosthesis in place with anatomical loss or loss of use of one leg at a level, or with complications, preventing natural knee action with prosthesis in place;

Blindness in both eyes having only light perception;

Blindness in both eyes leaving the veteran so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance. ( You Vets will probably be using this eventually).

Natural elbow or knee action. In determining whether there is natural elbow or knee action with prosthesis in place, consideration will be based on whether use of the proper prosthetic appliance requires natural use of the joint, or whether necessary motion is otherwise controlled, so that the muscles affecting joint motion, if not already atrophied, will become so. If there is no movement in the joint, as in ankylosis or complete paralysis, use of prosthesis is not to be expected, and the determination will be as though there were one in place.

Eyes, bilateral. With visual acuity 5/200 or less or the vision field reduced to 5 degree concentric contraction in both eyes, entitlement on account of need for regular aid and attendance will be determined on the facts in the individual case. In DickandJanespeak, this means you need to get an extraschedular rating for a&a first to get to the point where you can ask to be awarded the bump up to SMC M from L. It isn’t automatic.

SMC M pays $4,761.46/month-an increase up from  the $4,546.25/month on (L½).   SMC-M½ jumps to $4428.07/month and again requires shorter arms and legs,  eyes physically missing, poorly fitting prostheses, etc. Or, being sufficiently blind via a good medical nexus will accomplish this.

SMC N Awards

SMC N  continues the parade of missing pieces. Mr. Potato is now probably blind and immobile due to no feet down belooooow the knees. Actually he’s probably without knees if he’s even seeking SMC N. Or…. think about this. Johnny Vet is blind or nearly so as mentioned above to qualify for SMC M. Using the bump clause, he could get a 100% rating for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or even a 100% for IHD or Parkinson’s and then advance from M to N. This is legitimate. I’ve done it.   Any of the conditions below qualify you for this. Also remember this is the last SMC chance to cash in the SMC (K) for the lost buttocks/creative organs (or lack thereof). Don’t forget them.

Amputation is a prerequisite except for loss of use of both arms and blindness without light perception in both eyes. If a prosthesis cannot be worn at the present level of amputation but could be applied if there were a reamputation at a higher level, the requirements of this paragraph are not met; instead, consideration will be given to loss of natural elbow or knee action.

Anatomical loss or loss of use of both arms at a level or with complications, preventing natural elbow action with prosthesis in place;

Anatomical loss of both legs so near the hip as to prevent use of a prosthetic appliance;

Anatomical loss of one arm so near the shoulder as to prevent use of a prosthetic appliance with anatomical loss of one leg so near the hip as to prevent use of a prosthetic appliance;

Anatomical loss of both eyes or blindness without light perception in both eyes.

SMC (N) pays out at $5390.95/month- a sizable jump from M. I did not include the half steps as they simply add another $200 to the equation and a requirement for a few extra missing pieces or shorter ones. And the last trick in this N gig is if you somehow had a N 1/2 and you drew to a SMC K for loss of use of a creative organ. Bingo! Chutes and ladders again. You get the ladder up from SMC N 1/2 + K to the maximum rate of SMC O.

Rarely are you going to get to N with bumps up from §3.350(f)(3)(4) past going from L to M. At this point, most arrive here totally blind with no light perception. This is not to say you couldn’t have a 100% for IHD and catch the full-step bump up to N and have no physical amputations as I mentioned above. SMC is like an endless river of combinations no one (even VA) could ever conceive of. In some respects, it’s uncharted and sometimes we get into unlitigated pastures never before dreamed of.

I’ve only gotten one Vet to SMC N to be truthful. I’ve always done the chutes and ladders game and advance to Boardwalk and R1 or R2/T. SMC N would be a case of you being amputated down to a torso stump but not needing aid and attendance somehow.  Or… if you’re blind, and have another 100% percenter separate and independent from the blindness, you’re in SMC N cotton. It’s really about as superfluous as SMC Q in this day and age. I’m guessing you could liberally count the SMC N Vets in the very low thousands- or even the top tier of the hundreds. These are legitimately Vets who can be bumped to O and thus to SMC R1. Hence the rarity.

SMC O Awards

When we get to SMC O ($5,237.67) via the standard methods of entitlement , Mr. Potato Head™ would look just that- a potato. However, as you know from the above, this isn’t always the case if you’ve been following some of my shortcuts. Here are the  prerequisites to attain (O) via a wheelbarrow of disabilities.

Mr. Potato Head in potato wheel chair.

Anatomical loss of both arms so near the shoulder as to prevent use of a prosthetic appliance;

  Conditions entitling to two or more of the rates (no condition being considered twice) provided in 38 U.S.C. 1114(l) through (n); (the traditional way with the greatest level of success)

 Bilateral deafness rated at 60 percent or more disabling (and the hearing impairment in either one or both ears is service connected) in combination with service-connected blindness with bilateral visual acuity 20/200 or less.

  Service-connected total deafness in one ear or bilateral deafness rated at 40 percent or more disabling (and the hearing impairment in either one of both ears is service-connected) in combination with service-connected blindness of both eyes having only light perception or less.

 Paraplegia. Paralysis of both lower extremities together with loss of anal and bladder sphincter control will entitle to the maximum rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114(o), through the combination of loss of use of both legs and helplessness. The requirement of loss of anal and bladder sphincter control is met even though incontinence has been overcome under a strict regimen of rehabilitation of bowel and bladder training and other auxiliary measures.

 Combinations. Determinations must be based upon separate and distinct disabilities. This requires, for example, that where a veteran who had suffered the loss or loss of use of two extremities is being considered for the maximum rate on account of helplessness requiring regular aid and attendance, the latter must be based on need resulting from pathology other than that of the extremities. If the loss or loss of use of two extremities or being permanently bedridden leaves the person helpless, increase is not in order on account of this helplessness. Under no circumstances will the combination of “being permanently bedridden” and “being so helpless as to require regular aid and attendance” without separate and distinct anatomical loss, or loss of use, of two extremities, or blindness, be taken as entitling to the maximum benefit. The fact, however, that two separate and distinct entitling disabilities, such as anatomical loss, or loss of use of both hands and both feet, result from a common etiological agent, for example, one injury or rheumatoid arthritis, will not preclude maximum entitlement.

 Helplessness. The maximum rate, as a result of including helplessness as one of the entitling multiple disabilities, is intended to cover, in addition to obvious losses and blindness, conditions such as the loss of use of two extremities with absolute deafness and nearly total blindness or with severe multiple injuries producing total disability outside the useless extremities, these conditions being construed as loss of use of two extremities and helplessness. (I win on this one a lot. Get a&a first for a set of disabilities (MDD etc.) and then get SMC L for loss of use of two extremities).

  Intermediate or next higher rate. An intermediate rate authorized by this paragraph shall be established at the arithmetic mean, rounded to the nearest dollar, between the two rates concerned.

Mr. P head on R1

SMC (O) is generally as high as you go unless you have two 100% disabilities distinctly different from one another and one of them is Aid and Attendance at the L rate.  A bright line rule when you get into the higher levels of SMC or leapfrog ahead under the §§3.350(f)(3),(4) codicils is to expect to have to meet stringent requirements. I’ve seen how VA treated one Vet in just the last year (2016). He was housebound, has grand mal seizures that put him in the hospital for two weeks at a time. He loses his recent  memory and has to “catch up” after each seizure. He can successfully transition from his bed to his wheelchair without falling so VA considers that proof that he has not lost the use of his lower extremities (entitling him to a jump from SMC P (M + K+K) to SMC R1). That took several doctors and employing the correct DBQ on the subject. They somehow disremembered they were not supposed to use the DBQ for Peripheral Neuropathy.

Here’s an interesting rating using SMC O and the addition of another A&A rating under L to get to R1.

https://www.va.gov/vetapp98/files1/9802978.txt

SMC P  and All its Iterations

SMC P is what throws everyone. There is no set pay for SMC P so you have to retreat to §3.350(f)(1). Trust VA to try to envision every possible combination of a SMC L or M rating and begin adding on Ks and lengths of limbs capable of strapping prostheses to. Nevertheless, they did it-more or less. Check out all these myriad possibilities and see if you can squeeze into one some day.

(1) Extremities.

(i) Anatomical loss or loss of use of one foot with anatomical loss or loss of use of one leg at a level, or with complications preventing natural knee action with prosthesis in place, shall entitle to the rate between 38 U.S.C. 1114(l) and (m).  L ½   $3,977.97 (2015)

(ii) Anatomical loss or loss of use of one foot with anatomical loss of one leg so near the hip as to prevent use of prosthetic appliance shall entitle to the rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114(m).  M  $4,166.28

(iii) Anatomical loss or loss of use of one foot with anatomical loss or loss of use of one arm at a level, or with complications, preventing natural elbow action with prosthesis in place, shall entitle to the rate between 38 U.S.C. 1114(l) and (m).   L ½   $3,977.97

(iv) Anatomical loss or loss of use of one foot with anatomical loss or loss of use of one arm so near the shoulder as to prevent use of a prosthetic appliance shall entitle to the rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114(m). M  $4,166.28

(v) Anatomical loss or loss of use of one leg at a level, or with complications, preventing natural knee action with prosthesis in place with anatomical loss of one leg so near the hip as to prevent use of a prosthetic appliance, shall entitle to the rate between 38 U.S.C. 1114(m)and (n). M ½ $4,441.36

(vi) Anatomical loss or loss of use of one leg at a level, or with complications, preventing natural knee action with prosthesis in place with anatomical loss or loss of use of one hand, shall entitle to the rate between 38 U.S.C. 1114 (l) and (m).  L ½ $3,977.97

(vii) Anatomical loss or loss of use of one leg at a level, or with complications, preventing natural knee action with prosthesis in place with anatomical loss of one arm so near the shoulder as to prevent use of a prosthetic appliance, shall entitle to the rate between 38 U.S.C. 1114(m) and (n). M ½ $4,441.36

(viii) Anatomical loss of one leg so near the hip as to prevent use of a prosthetic appliance with anatomical loss or loss of use of one hand shall entitle to the rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114(m). M $4,166.28

(ix) Anatomical loss of one leg so near the hip as to prevent use of a prosthetic appliance with anatomical loss or loss of use of one arm at a level, or with complications, preventing natural elbow action with prosthesis in place, shall entitle to the rate between 38 U.S.C. 1114 (m) and (n). M ½  $4,441.36

(x) Anatomical loss or loss of use of one hand with anatomical loss or loss of use of one arm at a level, or with complications, preventing natural elbow action with prosthesis in place, shall entitle to the rate between 38 U.S.C. 1114 (m) and (n). M ½  $4,441.36

(xi) Anatomical loss or loss of use of one hand with anatomical loss of one arm so near the shoulder as to prevent use of a prosthetic appliance shall entitle to the rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114(n). N $4,717.07

(xii) Anatomical loss or loss of use of one arm at a level, or with complications, preventing natural elbow action with prosthesis in place with anatomical loss of one arm so near the shoulder as to prevent use of a prosthetic appliance, shall entitle to the rate between 38 U.S.C. 1114(n) and (o). N ½  $4,984.98

(2) Eyes, bilateral, and blindness in connection with deafness and/or loss or loss of use of a hand or foot.

(i) Blindness of one eye with 5/200 visual acuity or less and blindness of the other eye having only light perception will entitle to the rate between 38 U.S.C. 1114 (l) and (m).      L½  $3,977.97

(ii) Blindness of one eye with 5/200 visual acuity or less and anatomical loss of, or blindness having no light perception in the other eye, will entitle to a rate equal to 38 U.S.C. 1114(m).  M  $4,166.28

(iii) Blindness of one eye having only light perception and anatomical loss of, or blindness having no light perception in the other eye, will entitle to a rate between 38 U.S.C. 1114 (m) and (n). M½ $4,441.36

(iv) Blindness in both eyes with visual acuity of 5/200 or less, or blindness in both eyes rated under subparagraph (2) (i) or (ii) of this paragraph, when accompanied by service-connected total deafness in one ear, will afford entitlement to the next higher intermediate rate of if the veteran is already entitled to an intermediate rate, to the next higher statutory rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114, but in no event higher than the rate for (o).$5,253.39

(v) Blindness in both eyes having only light perception or less, or rated under subparagraph (2)(iii) of this paragraph, when accompanied by bilateral deafness (and the hearing impairment in either one or both ears is service-connected) rated at 10 or 20 percent disabling, will afford entitlement to the next higher intermediate rate, or if the veteran is already entitled to an intermediate rate, to the next higher statutory rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114, but in no event higher than the rate for (o).$5,253.39

(Authority: Sec. 112, Pub. L. 98-223)

(vi) Blindness in both eyes rated under 38 U.S.C. 1114 (l), (m) or (n), or rated under subparagraphs (2)(i), (ii) or (iii) of this paragraph, when accompanied by bilaterial deafness rated at no less than 30 percent, and the hearing impairment in one or both ears is service-connected, will afford entitlement to the next higher statutory rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114, or if the veteran is already entitled to an intermediate rate, to the next higher intermediate rate, but in no event higher than the rate for (o).$5,253.39 (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1114(p))

(vii) Blindness in both eyes rated under 38 U.S.C. 1114 (l), (m), or (n), or under the intermediate or next higher rate provisions of this subparagraph, when accompanied by:

(A) Service-connected loss or loss of use of one hand, will afford entitlement to the next higher statutory rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114 or, if the veteran is already entitled to an intermediate rate, to the next higher intermediate rate, but in no event higher than the rate for (o); or

(B) Service-connected loss or loss of use of one foot which by itself or in combination with another compensable disability would be ratable at 50 percent or more, will afford entitlement to the next higher statutory rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114 or, if the veteran is already entitled to an intermediate rate, to the next higher intermediate rate, but in no event higher than the rate for (o); or

(C) Service-connected loss or loss of use of one foot which is ratable at less than 50 percent and which is the only compensable disability other than bilateral blindness, will afford entitlement to the next higher intermediate rate or, if the veteran is already entitled to an intermediate rate, to the next higher statutory rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114, but in no event higher than the rate for (o).$5,253.39

So, if you still find your self lost in SMC P’s possible manifestations, you now know how all those chuckleheads at the VARO feel when they get to figure it out. The general rule is you’ll be lowballed -especially on the effective date. Remember, in SMC world, it’s not the day you filed for it to get the entitlement. Whoa, Nelly. It’s the day you can prove you’re entitled. You don’t even need to have the proof in the VA’s constructive possession. If your medrecs show you were permanently bedridden in 2008, then by golly that’s your date of entitlement to SMC L for that particular  SMC facet.

R1 and R2 Awards

The easiest way to get to R1 is the most obvious- §3.350(e)(1)(ii). You start at SMC L. If you are entitled to Aid and attendance, you are awarded SMC L #1. If you should also lose the use of  both your lower extremities, or an upper and a lower extremity, you get another SMC L- #2. Two SMC Ls or any combination of of two Ls, Ms, or Ns gives you a bump to SMC O automatically. SMC N ½  with a K will advance you to O too. But-here comes the legal pyramiding- if you have two of any of the rates between L and N, with no condition being counted twice, and one of the ratings is for Aid and Attendance, you advance to SMC R 1 automatically. No VSO has a clue how to play SMC Chutes and ladders. It requires a lot of study to understand the myriad ways you can do this. It’s an art form building them and requires getting rated for the prerequisites, often in a carefully specified order) and then springing the trap on them before VA realizes they just handed you the Claymore to ambush them with.

I advise getting the A&A first. As previously mentioned, you can also get two A&A awards for separate disabilities that require A&A. This, too, will advance you to R1. You’ll actually find in practice that if you file for loss of use of extremities, they’ll default to SMC L  a&a in hopes of fencing you out of it. Cool beans. You then just get an IMO saying your legs are hors d’combat and get R1 that much sooner.

R¹ ($8499) and R² ($9721) (married 2022) are ratings for more extensive Aid and Attendance and are considered an extension of SMC (O). If you know how, you can attain this and still be “alive”-i.e., not a baked Mr. Potato Head™. It seems sad when viewed in this context but a Vet has to almost be nigh on to Helen Keller in the VA disability world to get to N. Lt. Dan of Forest Gump fame would only qualify for M for his two amputations above the knee absent IHD or PTSD at 100% or full-blown Parkinson’s. My Uncle Jay with one foot destroyed (and amputated above the ankle) by a through-and-through GSW had 40% and two Ks, the other for loss of use of a creative organ before they caved in and gave him 100% P&T for PTSD. One thing is for certain in the Potato game- know your regulation and which SMC you may qualify for because VA is not in the habit of researching it for you and including it in the next paycheck-most especially not the higher SMCs. Considering most VSOs have never heard of R1, it behooves you to be acquainted with it if you’re using one to file for it. Well, that or call me to do it for you.

The easiest way to make the jump to R 2 is to be seriously R 1 first. The added need for a higher level of A&A (R 2) is most easily accomplished if you-the caregiver or spouse-are officially “trained” by your supervising neurologist or Doctor to provide physical therapy and things like changing the undergarments due to incontinence. “Cleanup on Aisle 2” will suddenly take on a new meaning. A candidate for R 2 must be so helpless that, without the help, he would have to be institutionalized in a hospital or nursing home. Personally, there are a large number of R 1s out there in VA Land who qualify for R 2 but lack the intricate knowledge I offer here free to argue it successfully. Rest assured that no VA examiner or rater can figure this out so they deny to avoid exposing their ignorance. VA has a “SMC Computer” where you put in the ratings and it spits out the magic SMC(s) entitlement. The problem is the input. I’ve only had two R 1s granted at the local level (Waco and Little Rock). A DRO in Ft. Hamilton, Montana told me they always send these to DC unless someone is bedridden and dying…and the conditions are separate and distinguishable.(Breniser v. Shinseki, 2011)

Mr. Potato Head at SMC R2

Higher Special Monthly Compensation is a benefit America accords its most damaged Vets. As you can see, Congress was might picky about how short an arm or leg had to be to get another $250.00 for it. VA sure wouldn’t want us gold diggers trying to game the system. I have visions of Spanish Inquisition torture devices to stretch a Vet’s arm or leg to get him on the wrong side of an SMC requirement. I’m sorry. I’m jaded. They have hurt me so frequently I’m damaged goods and no longer trust them. But… I have two separate and distinct 100% disabilities and am looking forward to my wheelchair license and a bump to SMC L. Hell, if Winky quits working, I may get a K thrown in too which would take me up to P-something.

Early versions of VA Range of Motion Improvement devices circa 1945

A a matter for dissection, let’s look at my collection of disabilities. The moment I lose the use of my lower extremities due to my airplane crash, I’ll advance from SMC S to L for aid and attendance of another.  Please recall that you do not take the SMC S and add it to SMC L. No way, GI. You leave it behind and get promoted to L. Having arrived, I will then exercise my extra rating for 100% for my Porphyria or my under §4.115a (dialysis) or my 100% for Hepatitis C. This bumps me up automatically to SMC M. If winkey quits working, I go SMC P (M+K).   No VSO will tell you this. Most probably wouldn’t know it could be done. That would be the difference between $4331 a month versus $5075 (married) in 2022 $. Spooky, huh?

The M 21 says you cannot use both a 100% bump and a 50% bump even if you qualify for each. This is not bright line law yet and ripe for an appeal to determine if it can be done. The regulation (§3.350(f)(3) and (4) are the pertinent authority and they leave it wide open. Not (f)(4) so much but certainly (f)(3). It’ll boil down to Chevron deference some day. Can VASEC interpret it his way or Congress’? That will be the argument at the Fed. Circus soon in Barry Vs. McDonough. My money is on a pyramid interpretation and a denial of both.

I can see the look of astonishment dawning on some of your faces when you think back to that VSO Rep from DAV saying there simply was no more dough after you got to 100% and told you to go home and quit being greedy. Shoooo doggies. 100% is $3517 (married in 2022) and SMC S is $3915 (married). You’ll begin to see why this looks like the Mississippi River with all the possible combinations and switchbacks. SMC O purposefully allows the double counting (pyramiding of ratings) to get to R1 or R2. It’s the only instance of the violation of 38 CFR §4.14 in the entire CFR that VA sanctions.  From the number of comments I get on this blog, I apologize if I do not answer all of them. SMC is the most misunderstood system of entitlement in the VA system of compensation. It took me four years to say I have it somewhat memorized-both the regs and what they say. I pretty much have all the cites to Court precedence  memorized as well.  That really helps when you don’t have to keep looking down to recite stuff at a BVA hearing. You can look the Judge right in the eye and pin him like a deer in the headlights. I always catch the Judge digging into the 38 CFR Part 3 or 4 to check up on me during the hearing or writing/typing fast and furiously. Cool beans, huh? You need as much ammo as you can hump, folks. That’s it in a nutshell.

Always remember. Only the rater or a trier of fact (VLJ) can grant you R1.  see M21-1, IV.ii.2.H.1.b. It says the clinician cannot diagnose  loss of use of extremities even though I see it on a lot of DBQs. You’re wasting your time going out and getting your doctor to say your legs are toast. But, once they deny you, you can go out and get the magic DBQ saying you have LOU.  https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-0960C-5-ARE.pdf 

Look at page 8 in Section X below. Right there it asks the clinician to determine that you have loss of use of extremities that would qualify you for loss of use of upper or lower extremities. As I like to point out to Judges, M21-1, IV.ii.2.H.1.b. doesn’t say you cannot rebut VA’s finding with your own diagnosis. I use the Caluza/Hickson/Shedden and its progeny to support the right of any Veteran to supply the three ingredients needed to prevail. VARO examiners have some unknown “higher level” legal standard of review on loss of use but cannot provide it at a hearing or HLR conference call. You almost always have to get the VLJ to grant because no one wants that on their resume when they’re going for the big jump up to GS 13, step 5.

Johnson DBQ 12-19-2017 8

P.S. The dollar rates  I listed for all these SMC Rates constantly change due to COLA rates increasing annually. I used to circle back and correct them to the current year but it’s too time-consuming now that I am accredited. Most of the rates advertised were for 2022. Obviously, SMC K is at $118.33 in 2022 now. Ignore that. The financial reward is immaterial to the discussion.

I don’t expect Joe Average Veteran to soak up this knowledge in one reading…or ten for that matter. SMC is antithetical to rational thinking when doing VA claims. Personally, I’d suggest any who try to do this get an attorney or agent who is well-versed in it. VA is vicious in this arena. They lie and misquote regulations. They add requirements that are not there. They ignore pathways to two a&a ratings and declare there’s no such thing. I tell my clients SMC is the art of the possible but most often requires appeal to the BVA to find a receptive ear and a keen legal mind-i.e., a lawyer/VLJ rather than a GS 13 VA examiner with a hardon for anyone asking for High SMC.

And that’s all I’m going to say about that.

Win or Die.

P.S. I wrote this in 2013 and have added, expanded and rewritten parts as the law changes. I became accredited in 2016 and learned even more about SMC from the owner of CCK. This represents the best knowledge I can provide to you, my Veteran brothers. I give it freely because no Veteran should have to pay to play this game. No pay walls. No inner sanctums. Getting the highest rating you are entitled to, especially the higher SMCs, requires a lot of specialized knowledge. I like to point to the analogy that just because you know how to drive doesn’t ensure you are Indianapolis 500 driver material. If this helps even one Veteran get to R2, then it was well worth my time invested in it. Best of luck to you all.

PPS. I promise to share my SMC T adventures here. It’s actually easier than getting R1. Time and my heart are my enemies. On second thought, revealing all my SMC T tricks here would just let VA know them too.