Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) Overview

Introduction

• Speakers: Ethan Mucklebower and Brandon Piva from CCK Law
• Topic: Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
• Purpose: To discuss SMC, particularly SMC-R, which provides higher compensation for severe medical situations related to military service.

What is Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)?

• SMC: VA compensation for severe medical issues due to military service.
• Compensation Rates: Higher than regular VA disability.
  • Regular 100% VA disability: ~$3,800/month
  • SMC: Can exceed $1,000/month

Focus on SMC-R

• SMC-R: For veterans needing aid and attendance
  • Types: SMC-R1 and SMC-R2

Aid and Attendance Definition

• Regular care by another person for daily activities
• Two levels of SMC-R:
  • SMC-R1: Care by non-medical professional (e.g., family)
  • SMC-R2: Care by licensed medical professional

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

• Aid in daily activities critical for qualifying for SMC-R
• Examples:
  • Dressing and undressing
  • Bathing and hygiene
  • Meal preparation and eating
  • Using the restroom
  • Adjusting prosthetics or orthopedic appliances
• Mental Disability Consideration: Aid may be needed for psychiatric issues like fall risk or medication management

Claim Filing Process for SMC-R

• Required Form: VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for housebound status or permanent need for regular aid and attendance)
• Supporting Evidence:
  • Doctor’s reports
  • Lay statements from family or caregivers
• C&P Exam: Likely required to confirm need for aid and attendance

SMC-R Compensation

• SMC-R1: $955.22/month
• SMC-R2: $1,964.66/month
• Payments exceed regular 100% disability compensation

Enhanced Pension vs. SMC

• Enhanced Pension: Needs-based, cannot be combined with SMC
• SMC at R Rate: Requires choice between enhanced pension or SMC

SMC-T vs. SMC-R

• SMC-T: Specific for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), pays the same as SMC-R2
  • Requires aid and attendance
  • Different from SMC-R in criteria despite similar compensation rate

Conclusion

• SMC is complex but offers significant compensation
• For more information:
  • Visit cck-law.com
  • Contact CCK Law for a free case evaluation
• Engagement: Like, subscribe, and comment for inquiries

Closing

• Contact: Feel free to reach out for further assistance or information
• Acknowledgment: Thanks for listening and engaging with the topic of SMC.