Special Monthly Compensation = extra money on top of basic compensation for severe disabilities. Bottom of ladder: SMC-K ($139.87/mo, often from ED). Top: SMC-R-2/T ($11,000+/mo for cases requiring skilled aid). Most vets entitled to SMC don't know it exists.
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Special Monthly Compensation — the full ladder
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is additional money paid on top of basic compensation for specific categories of severe disability. SMC-K (loss of use of a creative organ) is the bottom of the ladder. The top of the ladder pays more than $10,000/month.
The SMC categories (simplified)
| Category | Triggered by | Approximate 2026 monthly add |
|---|---|---|
| SMC-K | Loss of use of a creative organ (e.g., ED), one foot, one hand, one eye, etc. | $139.87 |
| SMC-L | Loss of use of both feet, both hands, blindness, or aid & attendance required | ~$4,900 |
| SMC-M | More severe loss combinations (between L and N) | ~$5,400 |
| SMC-N | Significant additional loss combinations | ~$6,150 |
| SMC-O / P | Even more severe combinations | ~$6,900–$8,000 |
| SMC-R-1 | Higher-level aid and attendance | ~$9,800 |
| SMC-R-2 | Highest level: need skilled aid (nurse-level care) | ~$11,100 |
| SMC-S | Housebound | ~$3,500 (in addition to base) |
| SMC-T | TBI requiring aid & attendance equivalent to SMC-R-2 level | ~$11,100 |
Always verify current exact amounts at va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/special-monthly-compensation-rates.
Pro tip
SMC awards stack with your basic compensation and can stack with each other in some combinations. Many veterans entitled to SMC don’t know it exists. If you have multiple severe service-connected disabilities, anatomical losses, or require aid in daily living, request an SMC review with your next claim.
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