VA SMC Rates (2026)

SMC-K is paid in addition to the basic rate, one award for each qualifying loss listed in 38 CFR 3.350(a), on the terms in VA's note above. Paid with SMC-L through SMC-N 1/2, an award is payable only for a qualifying loss that exists in addition to the requirements for that rate (38 CFR 3.350(a)). The law also sets dollar ceilings: paid with the basic rate or SMC-S, the combined rate cannot exceed the SMC-L rate, and paid with SMC-L through SMC-N 1/2 the total cannot exceed the SMC-O rate (38 USC 1114(k), 38 CFR 3.350(a)). In 2026, one award is $139.87 a month.

SMC-K

One award for each qualifying loss, such as the use of a hand, a foot or a creative organ. Paid with SMC-L through N 1/2, an award is payable only for a qualifying loss that exists in addition to the requirements for that rate. The law caps the total at the SMC-L rate, or at the SMC-O rate when it is paid with SMC-L through N 1/2.

VA's SMC rate page: “If you qualify for SMC-K, we add this rate to your basic disability compensation rate for any disability rating from 0% to 100%. We also add this rate to all SMC basic rates except SMC-O, SMC-Q, and SMC-R. You may receive 1 to 3 SMC-K awards in addition to basic and SMC rates.”

38 USC 1114(k), 38 CFR 3.350(a)

SMC-S

Housebound. One disability rated as total, plus separate disabilities ratable at 60% or more, or being permanently housebound.

38 USC 1114(s)

SMC-L to O

The ladder. Paired losses of hands, feet, arms or legs, blindness in both eyes, or needing another person's regular help because of a service-connected disability. More severe losses and combinations step up through the half levels.

38 USC 1114(l) to (p)

SMC-R

R.1 is paid only if you are already entitled to SMC-O/P, or to SMC-N 1/2 together with SMC-K, and you also need regular aid and attendance. R.2 requires all of that plus a need for a higher level of care: personal health-care services given daily in your home by a licensed health-care professional, or by someone under a licensed professional's regular supervision, and VA must find that without that care you would need hospitalization, nursing home care or other residential institutional care.

VA's SMC rate page: “Level R may apply if you need daily help from another person for basic needs (like dressing, eating, and bathing).”

38 USC 1114(r), 38 CFR 3.350(h), 38 CFR 3.352

SMC-T

Paid if, because of service-connected disability, you need regular aid and attendance for the residuals of a traumatic brain injury, you are not eligible for SMC-R.2, and without that regular aid and attendance you would need hospitalization, nursing home care or other residential institutional care.

38 USC 1114(t), 38 CFR 3.350(j)