7 Signals That Veterans Should Investigate SMC Benefits

Seven Signs Veterans Should Explore Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

 

Seven Signs Veterans Should Explore Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is a critical VA benefit that provides higher payments than standard disability compensation, designed to support veterans with severe service-connected disabilities. However, many eligible veterans do not apply due to the complexity of the process, high existing ratings, or the challenges of gathering evidence. In this article, Contributors One and Two, both experienced attorneys at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick, outline seven key signs that veterans should investigate SMC and offer guidance on when to seek professional help.

What Is Special Monthly Compensation?

SMC is a VA benefit that compensates veterans with severe disabilities beyond the standard disability ratings. Despite its importance, many veterans overlook SMC for several reasons:

  • Complexity: SMC is one of the most intricate areas of veterans’ benefits, with highly specific criteria and layered benefit levels that can be intimidating.
  • High Existing Ratings: Veterans with high disability ratings may hesitate to revisit the claims or appeals process.
  • Practical Challenges: Severely disabled veterans or their caregivers may lack the capacity to research or compile the necessary evidence.

To help veterans identify when SMC may be worth pursuing, Contributors One and Two share seven signs that indicate eligibility.

Seven Signs Veterans Should Investigate SMC

  1. Loss or Loss of Use of a Limb(s): If a service-connected condition progresses to the point of requiring amputation or results in the loss of use of a limb, veterans should explore SMC eligibility.
  2. Need for Assistance with Daily Living: Veterans who rely on caregivers for activities like bathing, dressing, or eating—or need supervision due to mental illness or cognitive decline—may qualify for SMC.
  3. Housebound Status: Veterans who rarely or never leave their home due to service-connected conditions may be eligible for SMC benefits.
  4. Severe Vision Loss: Corrected vision of 5/200 or worse in both eyes due to a service-connected condition is a qualifying factor for SMC.
  5. Multiple Severe Disabilities: Veterans rated at 100% for one service-connected condition, with additional conditions combining to 60% or more, are entitled to SMC at the “S” level.
  6. Loss of Use of Reproductive Organs: Conditions like erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by medications for service-connected conditions may qualify for SMC.
  7. Serious Degenerative Diseases: Progressive conditions such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, ALS, certain cancers, or orthopedic issues may entitle veterans to SMC as they worsen over time.

If any of these situations arise due to a service-connected condition, it’s a strong signal to research SMC or consult a VA-accredited representative.

When to Research or Seek Help for SMC

Contributors One and Two highlight five common scenarios where their clients seek SMC assistance:

  • Overwhelmed by Complexity: Veterans or caregivers who learn about SMC but find the criteria and evidence requirements too complex to navigate alone.
  • Fear of Rating Reduction: Veterans with high ratings worry that filing for SMC could prompt the VA to re-evaluate and mistakenly lower their existing ratings. Experienced advocates can prepare claims to minimize this risk.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Severe TBIs often leave veterans unable to manage their care or pursue benefits, making legal assistance critical.
  • Unawareness of Eligibility: Many veterans are unaware of SMC until a case review reveals qualifying conditions, such as loss of limb use, diabetes, or the need for assistance with daily tasks.
  • Need for Tailored Guidance: Advocates can identify SMC eligibility by reviewing a veteran’s medical history and conditions, ensuring all potential benefits are explored.

In these cases, Contributors One and Two leverage their expertise to build strong claims, ensuring veterans receive the benefits they deserve.

Conclusion

SMC is a vital but underutilized benefit that provides essential resources for severely disabled veterans. If you or a loved one exhibit any of the seven signs outlined above, Contributors One and Two strongly recommend researching SMC or contacting a VA-accredited advocate for a case evaluation. For more information or assistance, visit Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick’s SMC resource page or explore VA benefits at VA.gov.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of Contributors One and Two and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick or any other organization.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. Always consult a VA-accredited representative for personalized guidance on your claim. VeteransBenefitsHub.com is an independent website and has no affiliation, partnership, or association with Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD.



Special Monthly Allowance: Assistance for Veterans with “Loss of Use” Disabilities

When it comes to VA disability compensation for erectile dysfunction (ED), most veterans will receive a 0% disability rating.

 

VA Disability Compensation for Erectile Dysfunction:

What You Need to Know

When it comes to VA disability compensation for erectile dysfunction (ED), most veterans will receive a 0% disability rating. However, this does not mean you won’t receive compensation. Instead, ED is typically compensated under Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) category K, which covers the loss of use of a creative organ.

As of 2023, the monthly amount for SMC-K is $128.12. This figure is subject to annual cost-of-living adjustments. Importantly, this payment is in addition to your regular VA disability compensation. So, for example, if you’re rated at 70% for other service-connected conditions, you can still receive this $128.12 on top of your standard monthly compensation. The same goes for veterans rated at 100%.

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction as a VA Claim

Erectile dysfunction is very common among men and even more so among male veterans. For many veterans, ED may be caused by medications prescribed for other service-connected conditions—especially mental health disorders. Drugs like Trazodone, Xanax, and others commonly list ED as a potential side effect.

Because of this, ED is often filed as a secondary service-connected claim, meaning it stems from another primary condition or the treatment for it. When filing a secondary claim, you will need:

  • A current diagnosis of erectile dysfunction
  • Documentation of ongoing symptoms
  • A medical nexus opinion (e.g., a doctor stating it is “at least as likely as not” that the condition is linked to service or service-connected treatment)

Veterans filing ED claims related to medication side effects often find success, as the condition is frequently listed as a side effect on the prescription bottle itself.

What to Expect During the C&P Exam

Some veterans may feel uncomfortable about attending a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam for ED. The good news is that these exams are typically non-invasive. For standard erectile dysfunction claims (without physical deformities), the exam does not involve any physical inspection. Instead, the provider will rely on your documentation, symptoms, and self-reporting.

Unless the condition involves a visible deformity (like Peyronie’s disease), you will not be asked to disrobe. This helps remove a significant barrier for many veterans who may hesitate to file due to embarrassment.

Key Considerations Before Filing

While the 0% rating under SMC-K won’t increase your combined VA disability percentage, it does provide additional compensation. If your strategy is focused on reaching 100% via the combined ratings table, an ED claim won’t directly help you get there numerically. However, the extra $128.12 per month is still a meaningful benefit and should not be overlooked.

Another consideration is timing. If you’re within your one-year presumptive period after discharge, filing now may be advantageous. ED claims can be easier to win due to their commonality, clear medication links, and simpler exam process.

Final Thoughts

Erectile dysfunction may be a sensitive topic, but it’s a common issue that many veterans face—especially those dealing with physical or psychological conditions and the medications used to treat them. Filing for ED as a secondary condition is often straightforward and can lead to additional monthly compensation through SMC-K.