If you are a veteran who struggles to carry out everyday duties due to a service-connected disability, understanding SMC-R1 benefits and eligibility requirements may help you receive the VA disability compensation to which you are entitled.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is an additional tax-free payment provided by the VA to veterans who require additional assistance due to severe service-connected disability.
One of the different SMC levels, SMC-R1, is specifically designed for veterans who require regular support and attendance but do not need professional in-home medical care.
What is the VA SMC-R1 pay rate?
In 2025, a veteran’s VA SMC-R1 pay rate alone is $9,559.22 per month, and it can go to $10,000.00 with eligible dependents.
View the 2025 VA SMC pay table with dependents.
Veterans Who May Qualify for SMC-R1 Examples
Due to severe PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI), a soldier may require assistance from a spouse in managing daily hygiene, meal preparation, or medication.
A veteran with advanced Parkinson’s disease who has significant movement limitations and needs help dressing, going to the bathroom, and getting in and out of bed.
A veteran with quadriplegia who requires assistance from a caregiver in order to eat, utilize medical equipment, and maintain personal hygiene.
Veterans do not need to be completely incapable in order to qualify for SMC-R1, but they must demonstrate that they need daily assistance with personal care and safety due to a service-connected condition.
VA SMC-R1 Requirements and Eligibility Standards
To qualify for VA SMC-R1 disability benefits, veterans must meet three fundamental qualifying requirements:
- You must have a disability related to your line of work. 100% rated
- You Need Someone Else to Attend and Help You Every Day
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How can I submit an application for SMC-R1?
Veterans who meet the requirements for SMC-R1 eligibility may apply through the VA disability claims process.
- Step 1: Gather Medical Records
- Step 2: Submitting a VA claim online
- Step 3: Conduct a C&P examination
- Obtain a VA Claim Decision in Step Four
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Common Mistakes That Lead to Denial
The following mistakes are frequently made by veterans, and they unintentionally compromise their SMC-R1 claim:
- Not Requiring Attendance and Daily Aid: You must have significant restrictions related to your service that require daily assistance from another person.
- Absence of a Doctor’s Statement: The VA requires medical documentation proving the requirement for daily attendance and support. In the absence of this, the claim is likely to be denied.
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- Making an SMC-R1 Claim Without Proof of a Perfect Score: Veterans must already be eligible for SMC-O or SMC-N ½ + K and have a 100% VA rating in order to be eligible for SMC-R1.
- Not Attending a C&P Exam: If you downplay your symptoms or skip the exam, your claims can be rejected.
- Leaving Out Lay Statements: Testimonials that describe day-to-day struggles from family members, caregivers, or personal assistants are particularly credible.