SMC-L and SMC-L1/2 Explained: Does the VA Owe You More Money?

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If your service-connected disabilities make it hard to get through the day without help, you could be owed significantly more money from the VA—especially if you qualify for Special Monthly Compensation at the L or L1/2 level (SMC-L / SMC-L1/2). 

Special Monthly Compensation at the L level (SMC-L) is designed for veterans who require assistance with daily living tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. SMC-L1/2 offers an even higher benefit amount for veterans whose disabilities meet the L-level criteria plus additional severe conditions. 

In this guide, we break down what SMC-L and SMC-L1/2 are, who qualifies, how much they pay monthly, and what to include in your claim so you don’t leave money on the table.

Summary of Key Points

• SMC-L provides extra monthly compensation to veterans with severe service-connected disabilities who need help with daily living activities. 

• You may qualify for SMC-L if you require regular Aid and Attendance, have loss or loss of use of extremities, or meet specific criteria under 38 CFR § 3.350. 

• SMC-L1/2 is awarded when you meet the SMC-L criteria and have an additional qualifying condition, such as a 50% rated disability or other loss of use/amputation. 

• The VA should automatically consider SMC-L during your disability evaluation, but if they don’t, you can file a claim to request this benefit. 

What is SMC-L?

SMC-L is a level of Special Monthly Compensation awarded to veterans with severe service-connected disabilities who need regular help with daily tasks.  

This level of compensation is typically granted when a veteran requires assistance with essential activities like bathing, dressing, eating, using the bathroom, or getting in and out of bed or a chair, which the VA refers to as “Aid and Attendance.” 

Veterans may also qualify for SMC-L if they’ve anatomically lost or lost the use of a hand or foot, are blind in both eyes, or need constant care due to physical or mental conditions. 

Note: Your SMC-L compensation replaces your standard VA disability pay, instead of being added to it. 

Related Post: VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

What is SMC-L1/2?

SMC-L1/2 is a slightly higher level of Special Monthly Compensation awarded to veterans who meet the criteria for SMC-L and have an additional serious disability. This can include a second service-connected condition rated at 50% or higher, or additional loss or loss of use of a limb or sense organ.

For example, if you qualify for SMC-L because you need regular aid and attendance and you also have another severe disability like a service-connected amputation or major mental health condition rated at 50% or higher, you may be eligible for SMC-L1/2.

This bump in compensation reflects the compounded impact of multiple serious disabilities and results in a higher monthly payment than the standard SMC-L rate.

What’s the Difference Between SMC-L & SMC-L1/2?

SMC-L is awarded for serious disabilities like anatomical loss or loss of use of both feet, one hand and one foot, blindness in both eyes with visual acuity of 5/200 or less, being permanently bedridden, or needing regular aid and attendance. 

SMC-L1/2 is a step above SMC-L. You may qualify for SMC-L1/2 if you meet the SMC-L criteria and have additional serious conditions, like a combination of amputations, loss of use of limbs, blindness, or another permanent disability rated 50% or higher. 

What is Aid and Attendance?

Aid and Attendance is a benefit that supports veterans who need help from another person to perform everyday tasks.  

It’s often granted alongside SMC-L when the severity of a veteran’s condition requires regular assistance. 

You may qualify for Aid and Attendance if you: 

• Need help from another person to do daily tasks like bathing, eating, or getting dressed. 

• Have to stay in bed most of the day because of an illness. 

• Live in a nursing home because you’ve lost physical or mental abilities from a disability. 

• Have very limited vision, even with glasses or contacts (for example, vision of 5/200 or less in both eyes, or very narrow side vision). 

SMC-L Eligibility Requirements

You may qualify for VA SMC-L if any of the following apply to you: 

• You’ve had both feet amputated, or 

• You’ve had one foot amputated, and have lost the use of the other foot, or 

• You’ve had one hand and one foot amputated, or 

• You’ve had one foot amputated, and have lost the use of one hand, or 

• You’ve had one hand amputated, and have lost the use of one foot 

Or: 

• You’ve lost the use of both feet, or 

• You’ve lost the use of one hand and one foot 

Or: 

• You’ve lost sight in both eyes (blindness), or 

• You’re permanently bedridden, or 

• You need daily help with basic needs (like eating, dressing, and bathing) 

Did you know? “Loss of use” means a body part no longer functions, even if it hasn’t been amputated. 

SMC-L Pay Chart

As of 2025, the basic SMC-L pay rate for a veteran with no dependents is $4,767.34 monthly. If you have a spouse, children, or other dependents, your monthly amount may be even higher. 

Here’s an overview of basic SMC-L and SMC-L1/2 pay rates: 

Dependent Status	SMC-L Pay Rate	SMC-L1/2 Pay Rate
Veteran with No Dependents	$4,767.34	$5,014.00
Single Veteran with 1 Child	$4,910.19	$5,156.85
Single Veteran with 1 Parent	$4,938.78	$5,185.44
Veteran with Spouse	$4,980.95	$5,227.61
Single Veteran with 2 Parents	$5,110.22	$5,356.88
Veteran with Spouse/1 Child/1 Parent	$5,308.83	$5,555.49
Veteran with Spouse/1 Child/2 Parents	$5,480.27	$5,726.93

Note: If you have multiple children or a spouse receiving Aid and Attendance, you’ll receive additional compensation on top of your base SMC-L rate. 

View All Current SMC Compensation Rates 

How to Apply

The VA is supposed to grant SMC automatically if you meet the requirements, but that doesn’t always happen. 

Before filing a new claim, you should review your most recent decision letter to see if SMC was mentioned. 

If it’s not, you can apply for SMC-L: 

• Online at VA.gov (add a new disability type “Request for Special Monthly Compensation), or  

• By mail using VA Form 21-2680, or  

• In person at the nearest VA regional office 

What to Include When Applying

When applying for SMC-L, be sure to include clear evidence that demonstrates your need for regular assistance with daily tasks.  

This can include: 

• VA Form 21-2680 completed by your physician 

• Personal statements from you or caregivers describing your daily challenges 

• Medical records supporting the severity of your disability 

Conclusion

If you have severe service-connected disabilities that require daily assistance, you may qualify for SMC-L or even SMC-L1/2—two of the most valuable Special Monthly Compensation tiers awarded by the VA. 

Understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering strong medical evidence, and knowing what to include in your claim could make a major difference in your monthly compensation. 

Even if the VA hasn’t awarded SMC automatically, you have every right to request a review and apply. Remember: YOU SERVED. YOU DESERVE. 

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