Disability Compensation & SMC
The information below was taken from the US dept. of Veterans Affairs web site
What Is VA Disability Compensation?
Disability compensation is a benefit paid to a veteran because of injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, or were made worse by active military service. It is also paid to certain veterans disabled from VA health care. The benefits are tax-free. This benefit program evaluates disability resulting from all types of diseases and injuries encountered as a result of military service.
The degrees of disability that are determined by VA represent, as far as can practicably be determined, the average loss in wages resulting from covered diseases and injuries and their complications in civil occupations. Generally, the degrees of disability specified are also designed to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for disability compensation if you have a service-related disability and you were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.
How Much Does VA Pay?
The amount of basic benefit paid ranges from $117 to $2,527 per month (2008 rates) , depending on how disabled you are.
Note: You may be paid additional amounts, in certain instances, if:
- you have very severe disabilities or loss of limb(s)
- you have a spouse, child(ren), or dependent parent(s)
- you have a seriously disabled spouse
How Can You Apply?
You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-526, Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension. If you have any of the following material, please attach it to your application:
- Discharge or separation papers (DD214 or equivalent)
- Dependency records (marriage & children's birth certificates)
- Medical evidence (doctor & hospital reports)
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for Serious Disabilities
Can a Veteran Receive Additional Payments for Serious Disabilities?
VA can pay additional compensation to a veteran who, as a result of military service, incurred the loss or loss of use of specific organs or extremities.
What Is Considered Loss or Loss of Use?
Loss, or loss of use, is described as either an amputation or, having no effective remaining function of an extremity or organ. The disabilities VA can consider for SMC include:
- loss, or loss of use, of a hand or foot
- immobility of a joint or paralysis
- loss of sight of an eye (having only light perception)
- loss, or loss of use, of a reproductive organ
- complete loss, or loss of use, of both buttocks
- deafness of both ears (having absence of air and bone conduction)
- inability to communicate by speech (complete organic aphonia)
- loss of a percentage of tissue from a single breast, or both breasts, from mastectomy or radiation treatment
VA will pay higher rates for combinations of these disabilities such as loss or loss of use of the feet, legs, hands, and arms, in specific monetary increments, based on the particular combination of the disabilities. There are also higher payments for various combinations of severe deafness with bilateral blindness.
Additional SMC is available if a veteran is service connected for paraplegia, with complete loss of bowel and bladder control.
In addition, if you have other service-connected disabilities that, in combination with the above special monthly compensation, meet certain criteria, a higher amount of SMC can also be considered..
What is the Veterans Aid & Attendance pension benefit?
Who is eligible for the Veterans Aid & Attendance pension benefit?
When the family can submit a claim without help.
What is a Veterans Benefits Consultant?
When a family should use a Veterans Benefits Consultant.
Using aid & attendance to pay any person for care at home, for professional home care, for assisted living, or to pay for a nursing home.
The application process for aid and attendance Pension.
Why are less than 5% of all veterans & their surviving spouses receiving a benefit?
The National Care Planning Council, we promote and support planning for long term care.
An individual acting as a consultant must be careful not to violate any federal statutes and VA regulations pertaining to representation of veteran claimants. At the NCPC, we recognize our responsibility to assist you regarding these matters & have ensured that this package offers extensive guidance on what we believe constitutes a compliant veterans benefits consulting practice. Integrity & honesty are at the heart of our business. We expect those who purchase this package to maintain high ethical standards in all areas of their consulting practices. Furthermore, we would like to express our gratitude and support for those who display stewardship, compassion, care, & integrity while working with seniors & thier families.
