U.S. Veteran Compensation Programs

SMC Codes Explained

Category N ½

The following conditions qualify for a rating under Category N ½:

Amputation of one elbow and amputation of one arm so close to the shoulder that it is impossible to wear a prosthesis
Loss of use of one elbow and amputation of one arm so close to the shoulder that it is impossible to wear a prosthesis
Total blindness with only the ability to perceive light in one eye and the physical loss of the other eye and deafness in both ears (rated by the VASRD 30% or more)
Total blindness with only the ability to perceive light in one eye and total blindness without the ability to perceive light in the other eye and deafness in both ears (rated by the VASRD 30% or more)
Physical loss of both eyes and the loss of use of one foot (rated by the VASRD less than 50%)
Total blindness without the ability to see light and the loss of use of one foot (rated by the VASRD less than 50%)
Total blindness with only the ability to perceive light in one eye and the physical loss of the other eye and the amputation of one foot

Total blindness with only the ability to perceive light in one eye and the physical loss of the other eye and the loss of use of one foot (rated by the VASRD at 50% or more)
Total blindness with only the ability to perceive light in one eye and total blindness without the ability to perceive light in the other eye and the amputation of one foot
Total blindness with only the ability to perceive light in one eye and total blindness without the ability to perceive light in the other eye and the loss of use of one foot (rated by the VASRD at 50% or more)
Total blindness with only the ability to perceive light in one eye and the physical loss of the other eye and the amputation of one hand
Total blindness with only the ability to perceive light in one eye and the physical loss of the other eye and the loss of use of one hand
Total blindness with only the ability to perceive light in one eye and total blindness without the ability to perceive light in the other eye and the amputation of one hand
Total blindness with only the ability to perceive light in one eye and total blindness without the ability to perceive light in the other eye and the loss of use of one hand

SMC Codes Explained

Category O

The following conditions qualify for a rating under Category O:

Amputation of both arms so close to the shoulder that it is impossible to wear a prosthesis
Hearing loss in both ears (only one ear has to be caused by military service) that is rated 60% or more by the VASRD, and blindness in both eyes
Hearing loss in both ears (only one ear has to be caused by military service) that is rated 40% or more, and blindness in both eyes with only the ability to perceive light
Total deafness in one ear, and blindness in both eyes with only the ability to perceive light
Complete paralysis of both legs with the inability to control urination and defecation
Physical loss of both eyes and deafness in both ears (rated by the VASRD 30% or more)
Total blindness without the ability to see light and deafness in both ears (rated by the VASRD 30% or more)
Physical loss of both eyes and the amputation of one foot
Physical loss of both eyes and the loss of use of one foot (rated by the VASRD 50% or more)
Total blindness without the ability to see light and the amputation of one foot
Total blindness without the ability to see light and the loss of use of one foot (rated by the VASRD 50% or more)
Physical loss of both eyes and the amputation of one hand
Physical loss of both eyes and the loss of use of one hand
Total blindness without the ability to see light and the amputation of one hand
Total blindness without the ability to see light and the loss of use of one hand

SMC Codes Explained

Category S

Special Monthly Compensation under Category S is given if the veteran has at least one condition rated 100% and one or both of the following exists:

The veteran is completely and permanently housebound due to service-connected conditions, meaning the veteran cannot leave the immediate area, i.e., home, hospital ward, residential care facility, assisted living facility, etc., and the circumstance is expected to last for the remaining of life.

or

The veteran has another condition rated 60% that is unrelated to the 100% condition (They affect different body system, or are a different type of disability. For example, they can’t both affect the same arm or leg)

When condition above are met Special Monthly Compensation S is given instead of Special Monthly Compensation under Categories L through O.