Many veterans receive standard VA disability compensation without realizing they may qualify for much higher monthly payments under Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). If your service-connected conditions make daily life difficult without help, the VA may owe you significantly more money.
SMC at the L level (SMC-L) and the enhanced SMC-L1/2 level are designed for veterans whose disabilities cause major functional loss or require regular personal assistance.
“SMC-L is one of the most commonly overlooked benefits in the VA system,” says James Holloway, VA-accredited disability attorney. “Veterans often qualify years before the VA ever addresses it.”
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What Is SMC-L?
SMC-L is a level of Special Monthly Compensation paid to veterans with severe service-connected disabilities that result in a need for regular Aid and Attendance or involve significant anatomical loss or loss of use.
This benefit applies when a veteran cannot safely perform everyday activities without help from another person.
SMC-L commonly applies to veterans who:
- Need help bathing, dressing, eating, or toileting
- Require assistance transferring in and out of bed or chairs
- Are permanently bedridden
- Have lost or lost the use of certain limbs or senses
“The VA isn’t just looking at diagnoses it’s looking at how your disabilities affect daily function,” explains Dr. Karen Whitfield, VA medical consultant.
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Important: SMC-L replaces your standard VA disability payment. It is not added on top of it.
What Is SMC-L1/2?
SMC-L1/2 is a higher-paying step above SMC-L. It applies when a veteran meets all the requirements for SMC-L and has an additional serious service-connected disability.
This additional disability must be:
- Independently rated at 50% or higher, or
- Another qualifying anatomical loss or loss of use
For example, a veteran who qualifies for SMC-L due to Aid and Attendance and also has a separate 50% service-connected mental health condition may qualify for SMC-L1/2.
“SMC-L1/2 recognizes compounded disability when one severe condition is layered on top of another,” says Angela Brooks, Veterans Benefits Analyst.
What’s the Difference Between SMC-L and SMC-L1/2?
The difference comes down to severity and compounding impact.
Comparison: SMC-L vs SMC-L1/2
| Feature | SMC-L | SMC-L1/2 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Requirement | Aid and Attendance or qualifying loss | Must first qualify for SMC-L |
| Additional Disability Required | No | Yes (50%+ or qualifying loss) |
| Monthly Pay | Lower | Higher |
| Functional Impact | Severe | More severe/compounded |
SMC-L focuses on daily care needs, while SMC-L1/2 reflects the combined effect of multiple serious disabilities.
What Is Aid and Attendance (A&A)?
Aid and Attendance is not a separate VA rating it is a functional determination that often forms the basis for SMC-L.
You may qualify for Aid and Attendance if your service-connected disabilities cause you to:
- Need help bathing, dressing, grooming, or eating
- Require assistance using the restroom
- Stay in bed most of the day
- Live in a nursing home due to physical or mental impairment
- Have extremely limited vision (5/200 or worse, or severe visual field loss)
“Aid and Attendance is about safety and independence, not convenience,” explains Dr. Whitfield.
SMC-L Eligibility Requirements Explained
You may qualify for VA SMC-L if any of the following apply.
Anatomical Loss or Loss of Use
- Both feet amputated
- One foot amputated and loss of use of the other foot
- One hand and one foot amputated
- One foot amputated with loss of use of one hand
- One hand amputated with loss of use of one foot
Functional Loss
- Loss of use of both feet
- Loss of use of one hand and one foot
Other Qualifying Conditions
- Blindness in both eyes
- Permanently bedridden
- Need for regular Aid and Attendance
“Loss of use doesn’t require amputation it’s about whether the limb still functions,” notes Holloway.
SMC-L and SMC-L1/2 Pay Chart (2025)
As of 2025, SMC-L and SMC-L1/2 pay substantially more than standard VA disability compensation.
2025 VA SMC-L and SMC-L1/2 Pay Rates
| Dependent Status | SMC-L Pay | SMC-L1/2 Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran only | $4,767.34 | $5,014.00 |
| Single veteran + 1 child | $4,910.19 | $5,156.85 |
| Single veteran + 1 parent | $4,938.78 | $5,185.44 |
| Veteran + spouse | $4,980.95 | $5,227.61 |
| Single veteran + 2 parents | $5,110.22 | $5,356.88 |
| Veteran + spouse + 1 child + 1 parent | $5,308.83 | $5,555.49 |
| Veteran + spouse + 1 child + 2 parents | $5,480.27 | $5,726.93 |
Note: Additional children and spouse Aid and Attendance benefits can further increase monthly compensation.
How to Apply for SMC-L or SMC-L1/2?
The VA is required to consider SMC automatically, but many veterans are never properly evaluated.
Before filing, review your most recent VA decision letter to see if SMC was discussed.
If not, you can apply by:
- Filing online at VA.gov (request Special Monthly Compensation)
- Submitting VA Form 21-2680 by mail
- Applying in person at a VA regional office
“Never assume the VA will infer SMC correctly many veterans must explicitly request it,” warns Brooks.
What Evidence to Include With Your SMC Claim?
Strong evidence is critical to approval.
Key supporting documents include:
- VA Form 21-2680 completed by a physician
- Medical records describing functional limitations
- Caregiver or personal statements detailing daily assistance needs
- Mental health records (if applicable)
The focus should always be on how your disabilities limit daily living, not just diagnoses.
Why SMC-L and SMC-L1/2 Are Life-Changing Benefits?
SMC-L and SMC-L1/2 exist because some disabilities affect every hour of the day. Veterans qualifying for these benefits often rely on others for safety, hygiene, mobility, and medication management.
These benefits provide:
- Greater financial stability
- Recognition of caregiving needs
- Support for long-term quality of life
“SMC isn’t a bonus it’s earned compensation for profound loss,” emphasizes Holloway.
FAQs
What is the difference between SMC-L and Aid and Attendance?
Aid and Attendance is a qualifying factor for SMC-L. SMC-L is the compensation level paid when A&A is established.
Can you get SMC-L for PTSD?
Yes, if PTSD symptoms are so severe that you need regular help with daily activities.
How much is SMC-L in 2025?
The base SMC-L rate for a veteran with no dependents is $4,767.34 per month.
Can I receive SMC-L and standard VA disability pay?
No. SMC-L replaces standard VA disability compensation.
Who qualifies for SMC-L1/2?
Veterans who qualify for SMC-L and also have an additional service-connected disability rated at 50% or higher, or another qualifying loss.
How much more does SMC-L1/2 pay than SMC-L?
In 2025, SMC-L1/2 pays $246.66 more per month for a veteran with no dependents.
Do caregivers get paid directly under SMC-L?
No. SMC-L compensates the veteran, not caregivers.
