Editing Veterans Benefits (section)

=== What Is Special Monthly Compensation for Advanced Cases? ===

Veterans requiring aid and attendance or experiencing severe disability qualify for [https://mesothelioma.net/navy-veterans-asbestos-exposure/ Special Monthly Compensation] beyond standard 100% rates:

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin:1em 0; border-collapse:collapse;"
|-
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px; text-align:left;" | SMC Level
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px; text-align:left;" | Criteria
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px; text-align:center;" | 2025 Monthly Rate
|-
| style="padding:12px; font-weight:bold; background:#e8f4f8;" | SMC-L
| style="padding:12px; background:#e8f4f8;" | Aid & Attendance Required
| style="padding:12px; background:#e8f4f8; text-align:center;" | '''$4,767.34'''
|-
| style="padding:12px; font-weight:bold;" | SMC-M
| style="padding:12px;" | Aid & Attendance + Housebound
| style="padding:12px; text-align:center;" | '''$5,289.59'''
|-
| style="padding:12px; font-weight:bold; background:#e8f4f8;" | SMC-N
| style="padding:12px; background:#e8f4f8;" | Loss of Use of Both Hands/Feet
| style="padding:12px; background:#e8f4f8; text-align:center;" | '''$5,917.11'''
|-
| style="padding:12px; font-weight:bold;" | SMC-O
| style="padding:12px;" | Combination of Severe Disabilities
| style="padding:12px; text-align:center;" | '''$6,590.30'''
|-
| style="padding:12px; font-weight:bold; background:#e8f4f8;" | SMC-R.1
| style="padding:12px; background:#e8f4f8;" | Need for Higher Level Care
| style="padding:12px; background:#e8f4f8; text-align:center;" | '''$8,858.71'''
|-
| style="padding:12px; font-weight:bold;" | SMC-R.2/T
| style="padding:12px;" | Maximum Care Required
| style="padding:12px; text-align:center;" | '''$10,964.66'''
|}

Veterans receiving SMC maintain eligibility for all other VA benefits without reduction.

{| style="width:100%; background:#cce5ff; border:1px solid #007bff; border-left:5px solid #007bff; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0;"
|-
| style="padding:15px; color:#004085;" | '''ℹ️ Did You Know:''' SMC benefits are often overlooked. Many veterans qualify for these additional payments but never apply. If you need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating, you may qualify for SMC-L or higher.
|}