What Is VA Special Monthly Compensation for Mesothelioma?
VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) provides additional payments beyond the standard disability rate for veterans with severe disabilities. Mesothelioma veterans often qualify for SMC at the housebound or Aid and Attendance level, which can add $400 to $1,500 or more per month to their base compensation. SMC recognizes that some conditions require extraordinary levels of care and support.
What SMC Provides
Special Monthly Compensation is a higher rate of VA disability pay available to veterans whose conditions are unusually severe. While the standard 100% disability rating provides significant monthly compensation, SMC recognizes that some veterans need even more support due to the nature of their disabilities. Mesothelioma patients often qualify because the disease and its treatment can severely limit mobility, require ongoing assistance with daily activities, and necessitate frequent medical care.
SMC is organized into different levels designated by letters (SMC-K, SMC-L, SMC-S, etc.), each corresponding to different levels of disability severity and associated compensation amounts. The most relevant for mesothelioma patients are the housebound and Aid and Attendance levels.
SMC Housebound
The housebound rate (SMC-S) applies when a veteran is substantially confined to their home or immediate premises due to their service-connected disability. Mesothelioma patients who are unable to leave home for extended periods due to their condition, treatment side effects, or physical limitations may qualify. The housebound rate adds several hundred dollars per month above the standard 100% compensation rate.
You do not need to be literally unable to leave your home — the standard is that you are substantially confined, meaning you cannot reasonably be expected to travel from your home regularly.
SMC Aid and Attendance
The Aid and Attendance rate (SMC-L) is higher than the housebound rate and applies when a veteran needs the regular assistance of another person for everyday activities. This is common for mesothelioma patients who require help with bathing, dressing, eating, medication management, and other daily tasks. The A&A rate can add $1,000 or more per month beyond the standard 100% rate.
Higher levels of SMC exist for veterans with multiple severe disabilities or extremely high care needs, potentially adding even more to the monthly benefit.
Applying for SMC
SMC can be requested as part of your initial VA disability claim or added later as your condition changes. Your physician provides medical evidence documenting your need for assistance or your housebound status. An experienced mesothelioma attorney or veterans' service representative ensures that your SMC application includes all required documentation to support the highest level of benefits you qualify for.
SMC benefits are tax-free, retroactive to the applicable date, and do not affect any other compensation you receive from lawsuits, trust funds, or other sources.
- Above standard rates — SMC pays more than the base 100% disability rate
- Multiple levels — SMC has different tiers (designated by letters) based on severity of need
- Housebound rate — for veterans substantially confined to their home due to their condition
- Aid and Attendance rate — for veterans requiring regular assistance with daily activities
Reviewed by: Paul Danziger, J.D. — Texas Bar — 30+ years mesothelioma litigation
Last updated: March 15, 2026
Sources: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Special Monthly Compensation, 38 U.S.C. § 1114
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