special monthly compensation - purple heart special monthly...special monthly compensation. ... ii....

SPECIAL SPECIAL MONTHLY MONTHLY

COMPENSATIONCOMPENSATION

IntroductionIntroductionSMC is SMC is

paid paid in addition toin addition to SC compensationSC compensationcompensates veterans for SC loss or loss of compensates veterans for SC loss or loss of

use of parts or functionsuse of parts or functionsPayments for personal inconvenience, Payments for personal inconvenience, social difficulties and severe nature of social difficulties and severe nature of disabilitydisabilityIf evidence shows possible entitlement VA If evidence shows possible entitlement VA must consider SMC must consider SMC

Basic SMC LevelsBasic SMC Levels

A.A. SMC(k) SMC(k) ––Loss/Loss of Use Loss/Loss of Use Aid and Attendance Aid and Attendance Housebound Housebound

Basic InformationBasic Informationa.a. Does not depend on amount or severity of loss/ Does not depend on amount or severity of loss/

loss of useloss of useb.b. paid in addition to disability compensationpaid in addition to disability compensationc.c. Effective 12/09, (k) is $96 forEffective 12/09, (k) is $96 for eacheach loss/loss of loss/loss of

useuse

Loss/Loss of Use of Creative OrganLoss/Loss of Use of Creative Organa.a. Entitled to (k) if loss/loss of use of:Entitled to (k) if loss/loss of use of:

i.i. One or both testiclesOne or both testiclesii.ii. One or both ovariesOne or both ovariesiii.iii. Another creative organ Another creative organ –– used for used for

reproduction reproduction b.b. Entitled if prior to service loss of use but loss Entitled if prior to service loss of use but loss

of organ in serviceof organ in servicec.c. Entitled if Voluntary Sterilization prior to or Entitled if Voluntary Sterilization prior to or

during service, but later have SC loss of organ during service, but later have SC loss of organ d.d. Entitled if loss of use secondary to SC Entitled if loss of use secondary to SC

impotence impotence

Loss/Loss of Use of Loss/Loss of Use of Hand or FootHand or Foot

a.a. Entitled if loss of use of hand or foot Entitled if loss of use of hand or foot i.i. cannot grasp or manipulate objects with cannot grasp or manipulate objects with

handhandii.ii. cannot balance or push off with footcannot balance or push off with foot

b.b. Automatically proven if:Automatically proven if:i.i. Extremely unfavorable complete ankylosis Extremely unfavorable complete ankylosis

of knee (stuck in unfavorable position of knee (stuck in unfavorable position and cannot bend)and cannot bend)

ii.ii. Complete ankylosis of two major joints in Complete ankylosis of two major joints in arm/legarm/leg

iii.iii. Shortening of leg by at least 3 Shortening of leg by at least 3 ½½ inches inches

Loss of Use Loss of Use Both Buttocks Both Buttocks

Entitled if lose the use of both buttocksEntitled if lose the use of both buttocksi.i. severe bilateral damage to muscles in severe bilateral damage to muscles in

buttocks (must be 50% under DC 5317 for buttocks (must be 50% under DC 5317 for each buttock) ANDeach buttock) AND

ii.ii. cannot, cannot, without assistancewithout assistance, , iii.iii. Rise from a seated or stooped position and Rise from a seated or stooped position and

maintain postural stabilitymaintain postural stabilityiv.iv. ““AssistanceAssistance”” includes using oneincludes using one’’s own s own

hands or arms, or a special appliancehands or arms, or a special appliance

Loss of Use/Blindness Loss of Use/Blindness in One Eyein One Eye

Entitled if blind in one eyeEntitled if blind in one eyei.i. only perceive light and darknessonly perceive light and darknessii.ii. cannot recognize test letters one foot cannot recognize test letters one foot

awayawayiii.iii. cannot distinguish objects, hand cannot distinguish objects, hand

movement or the number of fingers held movement or the number of fingers held up three feet awayup three feet away

iv.iv. cannot perceive any lightcannot perceive any lightv.v. eyeball removed after the eye muscles and eyeball removed after the eye muscles and

optic nerve severed (enucleation)optic nerve severed (enucleation)

Deafness in Both EarsDeafness in Both Ears

Entitled if deaf in both ears:Entitled if deaf in both ears:

Hearing loss in both ears rated Hearing loss in both ears rated 100%100%Exams must be conducted in VA Exams must be conducted in VA authorized audiology clinicauthorized audiology clinic

Loss of Voice or AphoniaLoss of Voice or Aphonia

entitled if disability to speech organ entitled if disability to speech organ constantly prevents them from constantly prevents them from speakingspeakingcan receive the benefit if use a can receive the benefit if use a prosthetic device or nonprosthetic device or non--speech organ speech organ to produce soundsto produce sounds

Loss of Breast TissueLoss of Breast TissueFemale vets entitled for loss of 25% or Female vets entitled for loss of 25% or more of tissue from a single breast or more of tissue from a single breast or both breasts in combination (including both breasts in combination (including loss by mastectomy or partial loss by mastectomy or partial mastectomy) or mastectomy) or following receipt of radiation treatment of following receipt of radiation treatment of breast tissuebreast tissue

SMC(s) SMC(s) –– Housebound or Total Rating Housebound or Total Rating Plus 60%Plus 60%

may be entitled to HB if one may be entitled to HB if one disability rated 100% (or vet disability rated 100% (or vet receiving TDIU for single disability) receiving TDIU for single disability) and either:and either:

a.a. disability or disabilities of a different body system rated disability or disabilities of a different body system rated at least 60%, ORat least 60%, OR

b.b. permanently housebound due to SC conditions permanently housebound due to SC conditions (permanently HB means substantially confined to (permanently HB means substantially confined to home and it is reasonably certain disability/disabilities home and it is reasonably certain disability/disabilities causing confinement will continue throughout lifecausing confinement will continue throughout life

Other Facts About SMC (s).Other Facts About SMC (s).paid in addition to disability comp paid in addition to disability comp As of 12/1/09: As of 12/1/09: is $320 higher than monthly is $320 higher than monthly compensation for a 100% ratingcompensation for a 100% ratingis $2,993 monthly for vet with no dependentsis $2,993 monthly for vet with no dependents

SMC(k) can be paid in addition to SMC(k) can be paid in addition to SMC(s)SMC(s)

Regular Aid and Attendance Regular Aid and Attendance Under SMC(l)Under SMC(l)

Vets who need the regular aid and Vets who need the regular aid and attendance of another to perform the attendance of another to perform the normal functions of daily life are entitled to normal functions of daily life are entitled to SMC(l)SMC(l)

The need may be due to SC physical or The need may be due to SC physical or mental disabilitiesmental disabilities

SMC(l)SMC(l)paid instead of disability compensation paid instead of disability compensation under the Rating Scheduleunder the Rating ScheduleVA looks at the veteranVA looks at the veteran’’s condition as a s condition as a whole, consideringwhole, considering

Whether vet requires regular care and Whether vet requires regular care and assistance for protection from the hazards of assistance for protection from the hazards of daily lifedaily lifeWhether w/o assistance vet can:Whether w/o assistance vet can:i.i. Dress and undressDress and undressii.ii. Stay clean and presentableStay clean and presentableiii.iii. Feed self Feed self iv.iv. Use a restroomUse a restroom

SMC(l)SMC(l)Bedridden vet are considered to Bedridden vet are considered to need A&Aneed A&ANot required that Vet need Not required that Vet need constantconstantA&A, only A&A, only regularregular A&AA&AA&A not necessarily provided by a A&A not necessarily provided by a professional (Vets who require professional (Vets who require professional held may be eligible for a professional held may be eligible for a higher level of SMC)higher level of SMC)

Higher SMC LevelsHigher SMC Levels

A.A. General InformationGeneral Information1.1. will not be considered for higher SMC levels until will not be considered for higher SMC levels until

established entitlement to basic SMCestablished entitlement to basic SMC2.2. Higher levels paid instead of disability Higher levels paid instead of disability

compensation under the Rating Schedulecompensation under the Rating Schedule3.3. Vet can receive SMC(k) in addition to a higher Vet can receive SMC(k) in addition to a higher

level of SMC, if SMC(k) is based on a different level of SMC, if SMC(k) is based on a different condition than the bases for the higher level of condition than the bases for the higher level of SMCSMC

Levels of Loss/Loss of Use & Levels of Loss/Loss of Use & BlindnessBlindness----SMC(l) to (o)SMC(l) to (o)

Levels of Severity for Disability of Lower Levels of Severity for Disability of Lower ExtremityExtremityLoss/Loss of Use Loss/Loss of Use -- Leg Below Knee: loss below Leg Below Knee: loss below knee or loss of use of footknee or loss of use of footLoss/Loss of Use Loss/Loss of Use -- Leg Above Knee: loss/loss of Leg Above Knee: loss/loss of use above knee, or loss with complications use above knee, or loss with complications preventing natural knee action with prostheticpreventing natural knee action with prostheticLoss of Leg Near Hip: loss prevents use of a Loss of Leg Near Hip: loss prevents use of a prosthetic legprosthetic leg

Levels of Severity for a Disability Levels of Severity for a Disability of an Upper Extremityof an Upper ExtremityLoss/Loss of Use Loss/Loss of Use -- Hand: loss below elbow or Hand: loss below elbow or loss of use of handloss of use of handLoss/Loss of Use Loss/Loss of Use -- Arm Above Elbow: loss/loss of Arm Above Elbow: loss/loss of use above elbow, or loss with complications use above elbow, or loss with complications preventing natural elbow action with prostheticpreventing natural elbow action with prostheticLoss of Arm Near Shoulder: loss prevents use of Loss of Arm Near Shoulder: loss prevents use of prosthetic armprosthetic arm

Levels of Severity Levels of Severity Visual ImpairmentVisual Impairment

5/200: 5/200 visual acuity or worse5/200: 5/200 visual acuity or worseLight Perception Only: the ability only Light Perception Only: the ability only

to recognize light and darknessto recognize light and darknessNo Light Perception: total blindness in No Light Perception: total blindness in both eyes or enucleationboth eyes or enucleation

Intermediate RatesIntermediate Rates

There are half step increases of SMC from There are half step increases of SMC from level (l) to (o)level (l) to (o)

SMC(l)SMC(l)

1.1. Veterans are entitled to SMC(l) if they have Veterans are entitled to SMC(l) if they have any of the following:any of the following:a.a. Loss/loss of use of Loss/loss of use of bothboth legs below kneelegs below kneeb.b. Loss/loss of use of one leg below knee Loss/loss of use of one leg below knee andand loss/loss of use of loss/loss of use of

one handone handc.c. Vision Vision -- 5/200 in 5/200 in bothboth eyeseyesd.d. Need regular aid and attendanceNeed regular aid and attendancee.e. permanently bedriddenpermanently bedridden

2.2. Monthly payments effective 12/1/09:Monthly payments effective 12/1/09:a.a. $654 higher than compensation for a 100% rating$654 higher than compensation for a 100% ratingb.b. $3,327 for a veteran with no dependents$3,327 for a veteran with no dependents

SMC(l SMC(l ½½))Entitled to SMC(l Entitled to SMC(l ½½) if:) if:

a.a. Loss/loss of use of leg below the knee Loss/loss of use of leg below the knee andand loss or loss loss or loss of use of other leg above kneeof use of other leg above knee

b.b. Loss/loss of use of leg below knee Loss/loss of use of leg below knee andand loss/loss of use loss/loss of use of arm above elbowof arm above elbow

c.c. Loss/loss of use of one leg above knee Loss/loss of use of one leg above knee andand loss/loss of loss/loss of use of a handuse of a hand

d.d. Vision Vision -- 5/200 in one eye 5/200 in one eye andand vision vision -- light perception light perception only in other eyeonly in other eye

SMC(l SMC(l ½½))

Monthly payments effective Monthly payments effective 12/1/09:12/1/09:$826 higher than compensation for a $826 higher than compensation for a 100% rating100% rating$3,499 for a veteran with no dependents$3,499 for a veteran with no dependents

SMC(m)SMC(m)Entitled if:Entitled if:

a.a. Loss/LOU Loss/LOU ---- bothboth handshandsb.b. Loss/LOU Loss/LOU ---- bothboth legs above kneelegs above kneec.c. Loss/LOU Loss/LOU ---- an arm above elbow an arm above elbow andand loss/LOU of a loss/LOU of a

leg above kneeleg above kneed.d. Vision Vision -- light perception only in light perception only in bothboth eyeseyese.e. Loss/LOU of a leg below the knee Loss/LOU of a leg below the knee andand loss of the other loss of the other

leg near the hipleg near the hipf.f. Loss/LOU of a leg below the knee Loss/LOU of a leg below the knee andand loss/LOU of an loss/LOU of an

arm near the shoulderarm near the shoulderg.g. Loss of a leg near the hip Loss of a leg near the hip andand loss/LOU of a handloss/LOU of a handh.h. Vision Vision -- 5/200 in one eye 5/200 in one eye andand vision vision -- no light no light

perception in the otherperception in the otheri.i. Blindness in both eyes causing need for regular A&A Blindness in both eyes causing need for regular A&A

SMC(m)SMC(m)

Monthly payments effective 12/1/09:Monthly payments effective 12/1/09:

a.a. $998 higher than compensation for a $998 higher than compensation for a 100% rating100% rating

b.b. $3,671 for a veteran with no $3,671 for a veteran with no dependents dependents

SMC(m SMC(m ½½))Entitled of:Entitled of:

a.a. Loss/LOU of leg above the knee Loss/LOU of leg above the knee andand loss of the other loss of the other leg near the hipleg near the hip

b.b. Loss/LOU of leg above the knee Loss/LOU of leg above the knee andand loss of arm near loss of arm near the shoulderthe shoulder

c.c. Loss/LOU of arm above the elbow Loss/LOU of arm above the elbow andand loss of a leg loss of a leg near the hipnear the hip

d.d. Loss/LOU of hand Loss/LOU of hand andand loss/LOU use of arm above loss/LOU use of arm above elbowelbow

e.e. Vision Vision -- light perception only in one eye light perception only in one eye andand vision vision -- no no light perception in the other eye light perception in the other eye

SMC(m SMC(m ½½))


a.a. $1,250 higher than compensation for a $1,250 higher than compensation for a 100% rating100% rating

b.b. $3,923 for vet with no dependents $3,923 for vet with no dependents

SMC(n)SMC(n)Entitled if:Entitled if:

a.a. Loss/LOU Loss/LOU bothboth arms above elbowarms above elbowb.b. Loss/LOU of hand Loss/LOU of hand andand loss of an arm near loss of an arm near

the shoulder (amputation required)the shoulder (amputation required)c.c. Loss of Loss of bothboth legs near the hip (amputation legs near the hip (amputation

required)required)d.d. Loss of a leg near the hip Loss of a leg near the hip andand loss of an arm loss of an arm

near the shoulder (amputation required)near the shoulder (amputation required)e.e. Vision Vision -- no light perception in no light perception in bothboth eyeseyes

SMC(n)SMC(n)


$1,503 higher than compensation for a $1,503 higher than compensation for a 100% rating100% rating$4,176 for a veteran with no $4,176 for a veteran with no dependentsdependents

SMC(n SMC(n ½½))

Entitled if:Entitled if:Loss/LOU of arm above the elbow Loss/LOU of arm above the elbow andand loss loss of an arm near the shoulderof an arm near the shoulderMonthly payments effective 12/1/09Monthly payments effective 12/1/09

$1,748 higher than compensation for a 100% $1,748 higher than compensation for a 100% ratingrating

$4,421 for vet with no dependents$4,421 for vet with no dependents

SMC(o)SMC(o)Entitled if:Entitled if:

Loss of Loss of bothboth arms near shoulderarms near shoulder2 or more conditions entitling them to SMC(l) 2 or more conditions entitling them to SMC(l) through (n) if no condition considered 2xthrough (n) if no condition considered 2xDeafness both ears rated at least 60% (at least one Deafness both ears rated at least 60% (at least one ear is SC) ear is SC) andand SC blindness with vision in both eyes SC blindness with vision in both eyes no better than 5/200 no better than 5/200 Total SC deafness in 1 ear or deafness in both ears Total SC deafness in 1 ear or deafness in both ears rated at least 40% (at least 1 ear SC) rated at least 40% (at least 1 ear SC) andand SC with SC with both eyes having only light perception or worseboth eyes having only light perception or worseParaplegiaParaplegiaHelplessnessHelplessness

SMC(o)SMC(o)


$1,994 higher than compensation for a $1,994 higher than compensation for a 100% rating100% rating$4,667 for a veteran with no dependents $4,667 for a veteran with no dependents

Additional Disabilities that Additional Disabilities that Increase the Level of SMCIncrease the Level of SMC

Vet w/ SC disabilities separate from Vet w/ SC disabilities separate from conditions that entitle them to (l) conditions that entitle them to (l) through (n through (n ½½) may be entitled to ) may be entitled to increased SMCincreased SMCIf separate disabilities combine to 50% If separate disabilities combine to 50% -- 90% INCR 90% INCR half step half step If separate disabilities combine to 100%, INCR full If separate disabilities combine to 100%, INCR full step step No INCR above SMC(o)No INCR above SMC(o)Separate disabilities must involve different body Separate disabilities must involve different body parts or systems than disabilities that create entitle parts or systems than disabilities that create entitle them to (l) through (n them to (l) through (n ½½))

may be entitled to higher SMC, may be entitled to higher SMC, depending on degree of disability, if depending on degree of disability, if blind in both eyes and deaf or have blind in both eyes and deaf or have loss/LOU of a hand or foot loss/LOU of a hand or foot

Loss/LOU of 3 extremities entitles Loss/LOU of 3 extremities entitles vet to next higher of SMCvet to next higher of SMC

SMC(rSMC(r--1)1)

Requirements:Requirements:i.i. Entitled to SMC(o), ANDEntitled to SMC(o), ANDii.ii. Meet requirements for Regular A&A Meet requirements for Regular A&A

under SMC(l)under SMC(l)Monthly payments effective 12/1/09:Monthly payments effective 12/1/09:

i.i. $3,996 higher than compensation $3,996 higher than compensation for a 100% ratingfor a 100% rating

ii.ii. $6,669 for a veteran with no $6,669 for a veteran with no dependents dependents

SMC(rSMC(r--2) Special Aid and 2) Special Aid and AttendanceAttendance

Requirements:Requirements:i.i. Entitled to SMC(o),Entitled to SMC(o),ii.ii. Meet requirements for Regular A&A under SMC(l)Meet requirements for Regular A&A under SMC(l)iii.iii. Require licensed health care professional (or Require licensed health care professional (or

someone under the supervision of a professional) someone under the supervision of a professional) to provide personal health care services everyday to provide personal health care services everyday in homein home

Monthly payments effective 12/1/09:Monthly payments effective 12/1/09:i.i. $4,997 higher than 100% schedular rating$4,997 higher than 100% schedular rating

ii.ii. $7,650 for a veteran with no dependents$7,650 for a veteran with no dependents

The SMC FormulaThe SMC Formula

can be used to determine the proper rate can be used to determine the proper rate of SMC when there is a combination of of SMC when there is a combination of loss/LOU of hands and feet, or vision loss/LOU of hands and feet, or vision impairment involving both eyes. impairment involving both eyes. should help determine the proper SMC should help determine the proper SMC rate between SMC(l) and SMC(o)rate between SMC(l) and SMC(o)helps advocates understand how various helps advocates understand how various levels of SMC assigned. levels of SMC assigned.


WARNING: does not cover all possible WARNING: does not cover all possible entitlements to SMCentitlements to SMC——there are additional there are additional entitlements to SMC such as combined entitlements to SMC such as combined deafness and blindness that occur rarely deafness and blindness that occur rarely and are not covered by formulaand are not covered by formula..


First, think in divisions of three. For example:First, think in divisions of three. For example:

SMC at levels (l) through (o) generally involve:SMC at levels (l) through (o) generally involve:anatomical loss (amputation) or LOU of a lower anatomical loss (amputation) or LOU of a lower

extremity at three levels,extremity at three levels,anatomical loss (amputation) or LOU of an upper anatomical loss (amputation) or LOU of an upper

extremity at three levels, or extremity at three levels, or visual impairment at three levelsvisual impairment at three levels


Lower Extremity Lower Extremity -- 3 levels of disability used to 3 levels of disability used to evaluate higher levels of loss/LOU: evaluate higher levels of loss/LOU:

(1) loss/LOU of leg below knee (anatomical loss (1) loss/LOU of leg below knee (anatomical loss below knee or LOU of foot); below knee or LOU of foot); (2) loss/LOU of leg above knee (anatomical loss (2) loss/LOU of leg above knee (anatomical loss above knee or LOU at a level, or with complications above knee or LOU at a level, or with complications preventing natural knee action with prosthesis in preventing natural knee action with prosthesis in place); or place); or (3) loss of the leg near the hip (anatomical loss so (3) loss of the leg near the hip (anatomical loss so near hip as to prevent use of prosthetic appliancenear hip as to prevent use of prosthetic appliance

The SMC FormulaThe SMC FormulaUpper Extremity Upper Extremity ---- 3 levels of disability used to 3 levels of disability used to

evaluate the higher levels of Loss/LOU: evaluate the higher levels of Loss/LOU: (1)(1) loss/LOU of hand (anatomical loss below the loss/LOU of hand (anatomical loss below the

elbow or LOU of hand); or elbow or LOU of hand); or (2)(2) Loss/LOU of arm above elbow (anatomical loss Loss/LOU of arm above elbow (anatomical loss

above elbow or LOU of arm at a level, or with above elbow or LOU of arm at a level, or with complications preventing natural elbow action complications preventing natural elbow action with prosthesis in place); or with prosthesis in place); or

(3)(3) loss of arm near shoulder (anatomical loss so loss of arm near shoulder (anatomical loss so near shoulder as to prevent use of a prosthetic near shoulder as to prevent use of a prosthetic appliance) appliance)

The SMC FormulaThe SMC FormulaVisual Impairment Visual Impairment ----3 levels of disability used to 3 levels of disability used to

evaluate higher levels of SMC: evaluate higher levels of SMC: (1) (1) -- 5/200 (5/200 visual acuity or less);5/200 (5/200 visual acuity or less);

(2) light perception only (blindness having light (2) light perception only (blindness having light perception only); or perception only); or

(3) no light perception (blindness w/o light (3) no light perception (blindness w/o light perception in both eyes or enucleation (removal) perception in both eyes or enucleation (removal) of the eyes)of the eyes)


Formula is based on a Formula is based on a point totalpoint total. . Even point totals (2, 4, 6, 8) correspond Even point totals (2, 4, 6, 8) correspond to SMC (l), (m), (n), and (o). to SMC (l), (m), (n), and (o). Odd point totals (3,5,7) correspond to the Odd point totals (3,5,7) correspond to the intermediate SMC rates intermediate SMC rates –– SMC (l SMC (l ½½), (m ), (m ½½), and (n ), and (n ½½). ). Once 8 points (entitlement to SMC(o)) Once 8 points (entitlement to SMC(o)) has been awarded, the formula should has been awarded, the formula should not be used.not be used.


SMC (l) = 2 points SMC (l) = 2 points SMC (l SMC (l ½½) = 3 points) = 3 pointsSMC (m) = 4 pointsSMC (m) = 4 pointsSMC (m SMC (m ½½) = 5 points) = 5 pointsSMC (n) = 6 pointsSMC (n) = 6 pointsSMC (n SMC (n ½½) = 7 points; and) = 7 points; andSMC (o) = 8 pointsSMC (o) = 8 points

The SMC FormulaThe SMC FormulaFirst Step: Determine if a combination of loss/LOU of First Step: Determine if a combination of loss/LOU of (1) both hands/arms; (1) both hands/arms; (2) both feet/legs; (2) both feet/legs; (3) a hand/arm and a foot/leg or (3) a hand/arm and a foot/leg or (4) visual impairment of at least 5/200 both eyes. (4) visual impairment of at least 5/200 both eyes.

If there is a combination, then start assigning point If there is a combination, then start assigning point totals. totals. While point totals for feet/legs and hands/arms may be While point totals for feet/legs and hands/arms may be combined, vision impairment combined, vision impairment may notmay not be combined with be combined with loss/LOU of the feet/legs or the hands/arms.loss/LOU of the feet/legs or the hands/arms.


Assign Assign 1 point 1 point for lowest level of impairment that for lowest level of impairment that qualifies for SMC. For example, loss/LOU of foot, qualifies for SMC. For example, loss/LOU of foot, loss/LOU of hand, or 5/200 visual acuity or less is loss/LOU of hand, or 5/200 visual acuity or less is worth one point. worth one point. Assign Assign two pointstwo points for the second level of loss/LOU for the second level of loss/LOU or vision impairment. For example, loss/LOU of leg or vision impairment. For example, loss/LOU of leg above knee (anatomical loss above the knee or LOU above knee (anatomical loss above the knee or LOU at a level, or with complications preventing natural at a level, or with complications preventing natural knee action with prosthesis in place) is worth two knee action with prosthesis in place) is worth two points.points.

The SMC FormulaThe SMC FormulaAssign Assign three pointsthree points for the highest level of loss/LOU for the highest level of loss/LOU or vision impairment.or vision impairment.Add Add two extra pointstwo extra points if there is loss/LOU of both if there is loss/LOU of both hands/arms.hands/arms.Add Add one extra pointone extra point if additional single permanent if additional single permanent disability or combinations of permanent disabilities disability or combinations of permanent disabilities independently ratable at 50 to 90 percent.independently ratable at 50 to 90 percent.Add Add two extra pointstwo extra points if additional single permanent if additional single permanent disability independently ratable at 100 percent apart disability independently ratable at 100 percent apart from any consideration of TDIUfrom any consideration of TDIU


NOTE #1:NOTE #1: LOU of a hand (1 point) and light LOU of a hand (1 point) and light perception only in one eye (2 points) cannot be perception only in one eye (2 points) cannot be combined. This veteran would be entitled to only combined. This veteran would be entitled to only two SMC (k)s. two SMC (k)s.

NOTE #2:NOTE #2: SMC (o) can also be assigned when SMC (o) can also be assigned when 2 awards of SMC (l) through (n2 awards of SMC (l) through (n½½). For example, if ). For example, if vet has LOU of both feet and also is SC for 5/200 vet has LOU of both feet and also is SC for 5/200 visual acuity or less in both eyes, vet entitled to 2 visual acuity or less in both eyes, vet entitled to 2 awards of SMC (l). Because entitled to 2 SMC awards of SMC (l). Because entitled to 2 SMC awards of (l), then automatically entitled to SMC awards of (l), then automatically entitled to SMC (o). (o).


NOTE #3:NOTE #3:If entitled to 2 SMC awards of SMC (l) If entitled to 2 SMC awards of SMC (l) or higher and either 1 of the combined or higher and either 1 of the combined disabilities that made the veteran disabilities that made the veteran entitled to SMC (l) also causes need entitled to SMC (l) also causes need for regular A&A (or a combination of for regular A&A (or a combination of the disabilities cause the veteran to be the disabilities cause the veteran to be in need of A&A), then be entitled to in need of A&A), then be entitled to SMC (r)(1).SMC (r)(1).

special monthly compensation - purple heart special monthly...special monthly compensation. ... ii....

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