VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) Explained: Levels, Rates & Eligibility

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is one of the most overlooked—and most valuable—benefits available to disabled veterans. If you have severe disabilities, lost limbs, or are housebound, you may be entitled to hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month on top of your standard VA disability compensation.

What Is Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)?

Special Monthly Compensation is a higher rate of VA disability pay for veterans who have exceptionally severe disabilities or combinations of disabilities. Unlike standard disability compensation (which is based on your combined rating percentage), SMC provides additional payments for specific qualifying conditions.

Think of it this way: standard VA disability rates compensate you for how disabled you are. SMC compensates you for specific functional losses that go beyond what a percentage rating captures—things like losing a limb, being confined to your home, or needing daily assistance with basic activities.

How SMC Differs from Regular Disability Compensation

The Different SMC Levels Explained

SMC is organized into lettered levels, from SMC-K (the most common) through SMC-R (the highest regular level). Each level addresses different types of severe disabilities.

SMC-K: Loss or Loss of Use (Most Common)

SMC-K is the most frequently awarded SMC level and provides $139.87 per month in 2026. It compensates for the loss or loss of use of specific body parts or functions.

You qualify for SMC-K if you have loss or loss of use of:

• One hand, one foot, or one eye
• A creative organ (reproductive organ)
• Both buttocks
• Breast tissue (related to service-connected disability)

Key facts about SMC-K:

• You can receive multiple SMC-K awards simultaneously (e.g., loss of use of a creative organ and one foot)
• SMC-K is often granted automatically when the VA recognizes a qualifying condition
• It is the most common SMC level because erectile dysfunction (loss of use of a creative organ) qualifies, and ED is a common secondary condition to PTSD medications, diabetes, and other service-connected disabilities

SMC-S: Housebound

SMC-S provides an additional $469.96 per month in 2026 (total monthly rate: $4,408.53). There are two ways to qualify:

Statutory Housebound (most common path):

• You have a single service-connected disability rated at 100%, AND
• You have additional service-connected disabilities that combine to 60% or more (separate from the 100% condition)

Actual Housebound:

• You are substantially confined to your home or immediate premises due to your service-connected disabilities

SMC-S is significant because many veterans with a 100% rating for one condition (like PTSD) also have other rated conditions (like tinnitus, back pain, and migraines) that combine to 60% or more. If that describes you, you qualify for an extra $469.96 per month automatically.

SMC-L: Aid and Attendance

SMC-L provides $962.26 per month in additional compensation for 2026 (total monthly rate: $4,900.83). You qualify if you:

• Need the regular aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected disabilities
• Are blind or nearly blind (5/200 visual acuity or less) in both eyes
• Are permanently bedridden
• Have lost the use of both feet, one hand and one foot, or are blind in one eye with loss of use of one foot

Aid and attendance means you need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, or protecting yourself from hazards.

SMC-L Through SMC-O: Higher Levels for Severe Disabilities

As disabilities become more severe, SMC levels increase:

SMC-T: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

SMC-T is specifically for veterans who need regular aid and attendance due to residuals of traumatic brain injury. The 2026 total monthly rate is $11,271.67. This level recognizes the unique care needs that TBI survivors face.

SMC-R: Highest Regular SMC Level

SMC-R provides the highest SMC rates and is for veterans who need a higher level of care:

• SMC-R(1): $9,826.88/month — Need for aid and attendance at a higher level
• SMC-R(2): $11,271.67/month — Need for regular aid and attendance and a higher level of care in a healthcare facility

2026 SMC Payment Amounts Summary

Here are the key SMC rates for 2026 (total monthly compensation amounts, except SMC-K which is an add-on to your base rate):

• SMC-K: $139.87/month per qualifying loss (added to base rate)
• SMC-S: $4,408.53/month total (housebound)
• SMC-L: $4,900.83/month total (aid and attendance)
• SMC-M: $5,408.55/month total
• SMC-N: $6,152.64/month total
• SMC-O: $6,877.12/month total
• SMC-R(1): $9,826.88/month total
• SMC-R(2): $11,271.67/month total

Who Qualifies for SMC and How to Claim It

Automatic vs. Claimed SMC

Some SMC levels are granted automatically by the VA when they recognize a qualifying condition in your records:

• Often automatic: SMC-K (when a qualifying loss is rated), SMC-S (when rating criteria are met)
• Usually requires a claim: SMC-L and above (aid and attendance), SMC-T (TBI-related)

However, the VA doesn't always catch qualifying conditions. If you believe you qualify for SMC and aren't receiving it, you should file a claim.

How to File for SMC

1. Review your current ratings – Check if you meet SMC-S criteria (100% for one condition + 60% additional)
2. Gather medical evidence – For aid and attendance, get documentation of your care needs
3. Submit VA Form 21-526EZ – File a claim for increased compensation, specifying the SMC level
4. Request a C&P exam – The VA may schedule an examination to verify your qualifying conditions
5. Submit supporting statements – Lay statements from family members or caregivers describing your daily limitations

Common Qualifying Scenarios Veterans Miss

Many veterans qualify for SMC without realizing it:

• PTSD at 100% + tinnitus (10%) + migraines (30%) + back pain (20%) → The additional conditions combine to well over 60%, qualifying for SMC-S
• Diabetes causing erectile dysfunction → Qualifies for SMC-K (loss of use of a creative organ)
• Knee replacement with limited mobility → May qualify for SMC-K (loss of use of one foot) if function is severely limited
• PTSD medications causing ED → Qualifies for SMC-K as a secondary condition

How the Benefits Finder Identifies Additional Benefits

Veterans with high disability ratings or SMC eligibility often qualify for a wide range of additional benefits beyond their monthly compensation. The Veterans Benefits Finder analyzes your complete profile—including your disability rating, specific conditions, and state of residence—to identify benefits you may be missing.

For veterans receiving SMC, the tool can surface:

• State property tax exemptions often available at 100% disability
• CHAMPVA healthcare for dependents when you're rated permanently and totally disabled
• Adaptive housing grants for veterans who need home modifications
• Automobile allowance for veterans with qualifying mobility limitations
• State-specific benefits that vary widely and are easy to overlook