SMC-K is the most commonly awarded level of Special Monthly Compensation. It provides a fixed additional monthly payment that is added on top of your regular disability compensation. SMC-K can be awarded multiple times for different qualifying conditions, up to a maximum of three awards. The most frequent basis for SMC-K is loss of use of a creative organ. This applies to conditions that affect reproductive function, including erectile dysfunction that is service-connected or caused by medications for service-connected conditions. Many veterans with PTSD, diabetes, or spinal cord injuries qualify for SMC-K on this basis but do not realize it. SMC-K is also awarded for anatomical loss or loss of use of one hand, one foot, or both buttocks. Loss of use does not require amputation. It means the extremity is so damaged that it is essentially useless and you would be equally well-served by an amputation with a prosthetic. Other qualifying conditions include deafness in both ears with the absence of air and bone conduction, complete organic blindness in one eye, and being so near-sighted as to have only light perception remaining. If you have any of these conditions and are not receiving SMC-K, file a claim specifically requesting it. VA should consider SMC entitlement automatically, but it is frequently overlooked.
Note: This article references sections of the VA's M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual. The VA periodically reorganizes the M21-1 and section numbers may have changed since this article was written. For the most current section references, visit the VA's public M21-1 Web Automated Reference Material System (WARMS).