Category: Special Monthly Compensation

Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD): an emerging Veterans’ Disability

When I first came to the VA for a C&P exam for SSD, my examiner did not know what this condition is. I had a current service-connected PTSD disability, and he thought I was there for another mental health claim. He told me that I cannot be rated again because vets cannot be rated twice […]

How to Get SSDI on Top of an Approved VA Claim

Nearly 4 million veterans live with a disability recognized by the VA. While the VA provides benefits intended to ease the financial burden you may face with a disabling condition, in some cases you may require additional assistance. In such cases, it is often possible to qualify for both VA benefits and Social Security Disability […]

Is Rhinitis a VA Disability?

Rhinitis occurs when dealing with allergies, information of the nose, which causes stuffy nose runny nose, and is very annoying. As veterans, there is a way to get your rhinitis service-connected as a VA disability if done correctly. Rhinitis is susceptible to heavy pollen and dander within a vibrant environment. Dealing with Rhinitis on an […]

The Warning Sign of Abnormal Weight Loss in Veterans

Have you noticed that you are unintentionally losing a noticeable amount of weight?  Unintentional weight loss is officially considered significant when there has been a greater than 5% loss of average body weight within a 6-12 month span. This can be a symptom of a serious underlying condition.  Among the possible conditions this significant weight […]

How to File a VA Claim for Erectile Dysfunction

Claiming a VA Disability for Erectile Dysfunction is a little more challenging than a straight service connection. In other words, there are more steps for a Veteran to take before winning the claim. Instead of having a straight service connection, the Veteran must apply for SMC (Special Monthly Compensation) as well to get the correct […]

What is VA Special Monthly Compensation?

VA Special Monthly Compensation, also known as VA SMC, is additional tax-free compensation that can be paid to disabled veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses, and parents. For disabled veterans, VA Special Monthly Compensation is a higher rate of compensation paid due to special circumstances such as the need of aid and attendance by another person […]