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Special Monthly Compensation pays on top of your regular VA disability when you have severe losses, are housebound, or need aid and attendance. See the 2026 rates for every level, what each one requires, and add up your SMC-K awards.
Sources: VA.gov — Special Monthly Compensation rates, 38 CFR 3.350 — SMC ratings
SMC-K is an extra $139.87/month for each qualifying loss, added on top of your normal disability compensation. It can be granted more than once. Check any that apply to you:
These are set monthly rates (veteran alone, effective December 1, 2025) for more severe losses, aid and attendance, or housebound status. Find the description that matches your situation. Exact entitlement often depends on how losses combine, so use this to see the rate, then confirm your level with a VSO.
Anatomical loss or loss of use of both feet; or one hand and one foot; or blindness in both eyes (5/200 visual acuity or less); or being permanently bedridden; or needing regular aid and attendance.
An intermediate step between the L and M rates for qualifying loss combinations.
Loss or loss of use of both hands; or both legs at a level that prevents a prosthesis; or blindness in both eyes with only light perception; or deafness plus blindness combinations.
An intermediate step between the M and N rates.
Loss or loss of use of both arms at a level that prevents a prosthesis; or blindness in both eyes with no light perception; or higher-level combinations of anatomical loss.
An intermediate step between the N and O rates.
Multiple independent losses that each qualify at the N level, or specific combinations of blindness, deafness, and anatomical loss defined in 38 CFR 3.350.
Entitled to the maximum anatomical-loss rate AND in need of regular aid and attendance (help with daily living from another person).
Need a HIGHER level of aid and attendance (daily personal health-care services), including TBI residuals that would otherwise require hospitalization or nursing-home care (SMC-T).
Housebound: a single service-connected disability rated 100% PLUS additional service-connected disability or disabilities independently rated 60% or more, OR you are permanently and substantially confined to your home.
Special Monthly Compensation is based on specific anatomical losses and how they combine under 38 CFR 3.350, and the exact level can shift with dependents and combinations. These are the standard veteran-alone rates. The VA does not award SMC automatically, you have to claim it with the medical evidence that shows the loss or the need for aid and attendance. A free accredited VSO can confirm your exact level and help you file at no cost.