Section I - History of SMC - Updated 9/8/09

Chapter 2 - Rating

Overview


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In this Section
This section contains the following topics:   ''' '''
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47.   General Information on the History of SMC
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Introduction
This topic contains general information on the history of Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), including
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 ·      the purpose of this section

 ·      the content of this section

 ·      CO assistance in resolving difficult SMC cases, and

 ·      an overview of the history of SMC changes from July 1, 1933, Public Law (PL) 73-2, to the present. 
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Change Date
September 8, 2009 
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a.   Purpose of This Section
This section has been designed for use by Rating Veterans Service Representatives (RVSRs) when reviewing prior rating decisions for accuracy in the awarding of Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).
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<p class="MsoBlockText">Prior rating decisions addressing the issue of entitlement to SMC may appear to be erroneous based upon current criteria, when, in fact, they were totally correct based upon the criteria in effect at the time the prior rating decision was made. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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b.   Content of This Section
<p class="MsoBlockText">This section
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      contains only an overview of the history of SMC, not all of the historical aspects involving the payment of SMC

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      provides a breakdown for each of the levels of SMC, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      does not address the limited number of cases in which the criteria for SMC that was in effect before July 1, 1933, would be at issue.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Note:   Where appropriate, cross-references have been made to other levels of SMC where there are, or were, restrictions in the simultaneous payment of SMC at one or more levels. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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c.   CO Assistance in Resolving Difficult   SMC Cases
<p class="MsoBlockText">If there is any question as to which level of SMC is appropriate in a given case, submit the claims folder to Central Office (CO) (211B) for an advisory opinion. <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">Continued on next page '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
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<p class="MapTitleContinued"> 47. General Information on the History of SMC, Continued <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">

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d.   Overview of the History of SMC Changes From July 1, 1933, PL 73-2, to the Present
<p class="MsoBlockText">The table below describes the history of changes affecting the payment of SMC since the enactment of Public Law (PL) 73-2, on July 1, 1933, to the present.
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Important:   Prior to July 1, 1933, SMC at various levels was payable under the provisions of the World War Veterans’ Act of 1924.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Legend:

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      The letters K through T indicate subsections of 38 U.S.C. 1114.

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      IA indicates the initial authority for the subsection

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      A indicates that the subsection was amended

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      D indicates that the subsection was deleted, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      C-R indicates that the subsection was changed and the change involves restriction of payment. <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt"> '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
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48.   SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k)
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Introduction
<p class="MsoBlockText">This topic contains information on SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k). It includes information on SMC under:
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 73-2

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 79-182

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 82-427

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 84-969

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 86-663

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 88-20

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 88-22

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 90-77

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 106-419, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 107-330. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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Change Date
<p class="MsoBlockText">December 13, 2005 <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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a.   SMC Under PL 73-2
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 73-2, effective July 1, 1933, provided for payment of SMC for the anatomical loss or loss of use (L/LOU) of only
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      one foot

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      one hand, or

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      one eye.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Note:   SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k) was

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      payable in addition to the basic rate of compensation payable for disability ratings of 10 percent through 100 percent

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      payable for only   one disability meeting the criteria under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k), even though multiple disabilities meeting the criteria may have existed, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      not payable in addition to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(l) through 38 U.S.C. 1114(n).

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Example:   A veteran with loss of one foot, plus the loss of one eye, would have been entitled to compensation based on the disability evaluation assigned, plus SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k) for either loss of the foot or loss of the eye, but not both. <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">Continued on next page '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
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<p class="MapTitleContinued"> 48. SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k), Continued <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">

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b.   SMC Under PL 79-182
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 79-182, effective October 1, 1945,
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      clarified the standard for blindness of one eye as having light perception only (LPO), and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      provided for the payment of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k), in addition to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(l) through (n), for each loss, or loss of use, under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k).

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Note:   The prohibition against the payment of SMC for more than one disability meeting the criteria under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k) was continued. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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c.   SMC Under PL 82-427
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 82-427, effective August 1, 1952, provided for the payment of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k) for anatomical L/LOU of a creative organ. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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d.   SMC Under PL 84-969
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 84-969, effective October 1, 1956, provided for the payment of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k) for anatomical L/LOU of both buttocks. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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e.   SMC Under PL 86-663
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 86-663, effective September 1, 1960, created a new level of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(s). SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k) was not payable in addition to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(s).
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Note:   If the additional 60 percent disability establishing entitlement at the “s” level included entitlement under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k), payment was to be made at the 100 percent + “k” level, as this was a greater benefit than the 100 percent + “s” level. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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f.   SMC Under PL 88-20
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 88-20, effective July 1, 1963, provided for the payment of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k) for deafness in both ears, with absence of air and bone conduction. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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g.   SMC Under PL 88-22
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 88-22, effective July 1, 1963, provided for the payment of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k) for organic aphonia with constant inability to communicate by speech. <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">Continued on next page '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
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<p class="MapTitleContinued"> 48. SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k), Continued <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">

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h.   SMC Under PL 90-77
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 90-77, effective October 1, 1967
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      provided for the payment of SMC

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     for each disability that met the criteria under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k), and

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     under both 38 U.S.C. 1114(s) and 38 U.S.C. 1114(k), and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      removed the prohibition against using an additional disability, ratable as 50 percent disabling, to justify granting an intermediate rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p), when the same disability had been used as the basis for establishing entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k).

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">References:   For more information on

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      granting entitlement to SMC based on anatomical loss, see PL 79-182

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      granting entitlement to SMC for additional disabilities, see PL 86-663, and/or

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      related changes to 38 CFR, Part 3, Adjudication, see Transmittal Sheet 407 and Transmittal Sheet 415. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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i.   SMC Under PL 106-419
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 106-419, effective November 1, 2000, amended the criteria for payment to include a woman veteran’s anatomical loss of one or both breasts, including loss by mastectomy. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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j.   SMC Under PL 107-330
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 107-330, effective December 6, 2002, clarified that loss of one or both breasts includes
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      loss of 25 percent or more of breast tissue from a single breast or both breasts in combination, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      subjection of breast tissue to radiation treatment. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt"> '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
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49.   SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(l)
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Introduction
<p class="MsoBlockText">This topic contains information on SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(l). It includes information on SMC under
 * style="width:387.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="516"|

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 73-2

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 79-182, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 97-66. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

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Change Date
<p class="MsoBlockText">December 13, 2005 <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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 * }

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a.   SMC Under PL 73-2
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 73-2, effective July 1, 1933, provided for the payment of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(l) for
 * style="width:387.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="516"|

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      the anatomical L/LOU of

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     both hands or both feet

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     one hand and one foot, or

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      being so helpless as to be in need of regular Aid and Attendance (A&A).

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Note:   Since PL 73-2 did not provide for the payment of intermediate levels of SMC, the level of loss or loss of use had no effect on the level of SMC payable.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Example:   Amputation of one arm above the elbow and   amputation below the elbow of the other arm would establish entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(l). <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">Continued on next page '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
 * }

<p class="MapTitleContinued"> 49. SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(l), Continued <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">

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b.   SMC Under PL 79-182
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 79-183, effective October 1, 1945, provided for the payment of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(l) if the veteran was
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      blind in both eyes, with visual acuity of 5/200 (1.5/60) or less, or

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      permanently bedridden.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Notes:

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      Concentric contraction of the field of vision beyond 10 degrees was considered equivalent to visual acuity of 5/200 (1.5/60) until July 6, 1950, the effective date of a change to the 1945 rating schedule. Under the revised rating schedule, concentric contraction of the field of vision beyond 5 degrees was considered equivalent to visual acuity of 5/200 (1.5/60)

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 79-182 provided for payment of SMC at intermediate levels.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Reference:   For more information on payment of SMC at intermediate levels, see

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      38 U.S.C. 1114(p), and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii, 2.I.53. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

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c.   SMC Under PL 97-66
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 97-66, effective October 1, 1981, removed loss, or loss of use, of both hands as a condition warranting entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(l).
 * style="width:387.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="516"|

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Rationale: Effective October 1, 1981, the loss, or loss of use, of both hands became one of the criteria for entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(m).

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Reference:   For more information on

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      related changes to 38 CFR, Part 3, Adjudication, see Transmittal Sheet 703, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      38 U.S.C. 1114(m), see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii, 2.I.50. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;border:none;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .75pt; padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:2.0pt 0in 0in 0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt"> '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
 * }

50.   SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(m)
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Introduction
<p class="MsoBlockText">This topic contains information on SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(m). It includes information on SMC under
 * style="width:387.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="516"|

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 73-2

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 79-182

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 85-652, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 97-66. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

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Change Date
<p class="MsoBlockText">December 13, 2005 <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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 * }

{| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse:collapse;mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"
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a.   SMC Under PL 73-2
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 73-2, effective July 1, 1933, established the criteria for payment of 38 U.S.C. 1114(m) as
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      the L/LOU of three extremities, or

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      blindness in both eyes, having LPO. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

{| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse:collapse;mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"
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b.   SMC Under 79-182
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 79-182, effective October 1, 1945, provided for payment of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(m) if the evidence showed
 * style="width:387.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="516"|

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      L/LOU of two extremities at a level, or with complications, preventing natural elbow or knee action with prosthesis in place, or

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      blindness in both eyes, leaving the veteran so helpless as to require A&A. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

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c.   SMC Under PL 85-652
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 85-652, effective September 1, 1958, reinstated blindness in both eyes, having LPO, as a condition warranting entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(m). <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">Continued on next page '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
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 * }

<p class="MapTitleContinued"> 50. SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(m), Continued <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">

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d.   SMC Under PL 97-66
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 97-66, effective October 1, 1981, elevated the level of SMC for
 * style="width:387.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="516"|

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      L/LOU of both hands from 38 U.S.C. 1114(l) to 38 U.S.C. 1114(m), and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      L/LOU of both arms at levels, or with complications, preventing natural elbow action with prosthesis in place from 38 U.S.C. 1114(m) to 38 U.S.C. 1114(n).

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Reference:   For more information on related changes to 38 CFR, Part 3, Adjudication, see Transmittal Sheet 703. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt"> '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
 * }

51.   SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(n)
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Introduction
<p class="MsoBlockText">This topic contains information on SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(n). It includes information on SMC under
 * style="width:387.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="516"|

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 73-2

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 79-182

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 97-66, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 97-306. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

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Change Date
<p class="MsoBlockText">December 13, 2005 <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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 * }

{| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse:collapse;mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"
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a.   SMC Under PL 73-2
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 73-2, effective July 1, 1933, provided for payment of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(n) as blindness in both eyes, having LPO, plus the L/LOU of one extremity. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * style="width:387.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="516"|
 * }

{| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse:collapse;mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"
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b.   SMC Under PL 79-182
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 79-182, effective October 1, 1945, provided for payment of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(n) if the evidence showed anatomical loss of
 * style="width:387.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="516"|

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      two extremities so near the shoulder or hip as to prevent the use of a prosthetic appliance, or

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      both eyes, or total blindness of both eyes, having no light perception, accompanied by

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     phthisis bulbi

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     evisceration, or

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     other obvious deformity or disfigurement. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

{| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse:collapse;mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"
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c.   SMC Under PL 97-66
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 97-66, effective October 1, 1981, elevated the level of SMC for
 * style="width:387.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="516"|

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      L/LOU of both arms at levels, or with complications, preventing natural elbow action with a prosthesis in place from 38 U.S.C. 1114(m) to 38 U.S.C. 1114(n), and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      anatomical loss of both arms so near the shoulder as to prevent the use of a prosthetic appliance from 38 U.S.C. 1114(n) to 38 U.S.C. 1114(o).

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Reference:   For more information on related changes to 38 CFR, Part 3, Adjudication, see Transmittal Sheet 703. <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">Continued on next page '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
 * }

<p class="MapTitleContinued"> 51. SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(n), Continued <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">

{| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse:collapse;mso-table-layout-alt:fixed;mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"
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d.   SMC Under PL 97-306
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 97-306, effective October 1, 1982,
 * style="width:387.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="516"|

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      added blindness without light perception in both eyes as a condition warranting entitlement to SMC, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      removed the requirement that blindness must be accompanied by

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     phthisis bulbi

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     evisceration, or

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     other obvious deformity or disfigurement.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">References:   For more information on

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      SMC for anatomical loss or blindness, see PL 79-182, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      related changes to 38 CFR, Part 3, Adjudication, see Transmittal Sheet 721. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt"> '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
 * }

52.   SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(o)
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Introduction
<p class="MsoBlockText">This topic contains information on SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(o). It includes information on SMC under
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 73-2

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 79-182

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 85-782

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 89-311

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 97-66

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 98-223, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 110-157. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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Change Date
<p class="MsoBlockText">September 8, 2009 <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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a.   SMC Under PL 73-2
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 73-2, effective July 1, 1933, established the criterion for payment of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(o) for two or more conditions warranting entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(l) through (n).
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Important:   No condition could be considered twice. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

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b.   SMC Under PL 79-182
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 79-182, effective October 1, 1945, provided for payment of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(o) for
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<p class="TableText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      bilateral blindness, with visual acuity of 5/200 (1.5/60) or less, in combination with bilateral total deafness, and/or

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      transverse myelitis, with loss of use of both legs and loss of anal and bladder control. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

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c.   SMC Under PL 85-782
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 85-782, effective October 1, 1958, created a new level of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r).
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Reference:   For more information on

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r), see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii, 2.I.55, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      determining the maximum rate payable under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p), see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii, 2.I.58. <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">Continued on next page '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
 * }

<p class="MapTitleContinued"> 52. SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(o), Continued <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">

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d.   SMC Under PL 89-311
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 89-311, effective December 1, 1965, amended the criteria under 38 U.S.C. 1114(o) (PL 85-782) to read:   bilateral deafness, with the hearing impairment in one or both ears service-connected (SC), rated at 60 percent, or more, plus SC total blindness with 5/200 (1.5/60) visual acuity, or less.
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Reference:   For more information on related changes to 38 CFR, Part 3, Adjudication, see Transmittal Sheet 364. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

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e.   SMC Under PL 97-66
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 97-66, effective October 1, 1981, elevated the level of SMC for anatomical loss of both arms so near the shoulder as to prevent the use of prosthetic appliances from 38 U.S.C. 1114(n) to 38 U.S.C. 1114(o).
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Reference:   For more information on related changes to 38 CFR, Part 3, Adjudication, see Transmittal Sheet 703. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

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f.   SMC Under PL 98-223
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 98-223, effective October 1, 1983, provided for payment of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(o) to include bilateral blindness, having LPO or less, with
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      SC total deafness in one ear, or

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      bilateral hearing loss, rated 40 percent or more disabling, with SC hearing impairment in at least one ear. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

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g.   SMC Under PL 110-157
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 110-157, effective December 26, 2007, amended the visual impairment criteria for entitlement under 38 U.S.C. 1114(o) to provide for payment of SMC for
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      total SC blindness with 20/200 visual acuity or less, combined with

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      bilateral deafness rated at 60 percent or more (and the hearing loss in either ear is SC). <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt"> '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
 * }

53.   SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p)
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Introduction
<p class="MsoBlockText">This topic contains information on SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p). It includes information on SMC under
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 79-182

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 85-782

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 89-311

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 90-77

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 95-479

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 97-66

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 97-306, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 98-223. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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Change Date
<p class="MsoBlockText">December 13, 2005 <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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a.   SMC Under PL 79-182
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 79-182, effective October 1, 1945, established intermediate steps of SMC for disablement that exceeded the requirements for entitlement to any of the levels of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(l) through (n).
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">The table below lists the criteria set forth in PL 79-182 for establishing entitlement to each intermediate step of SMC. <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">Continued on next page '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
 * }

<p class="MapTitleContinued"> 53. SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p), Continued <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">

<p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">

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b.   SMC Under PL 85-782
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 85-782, effective October 10, 1958, established a level of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r).
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Note:   One way to establish basic entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r) was for the veteran to be entitled to the maximum rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p).

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Reference:   For a history of decisions regarding determination of the maximum rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p), see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii, 2.I.58<span style="font-family:"Times","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">. <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">Continued on next page '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
 * }

<p class="MapTitleContinued"> 53. SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p), Continued <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">

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c.   SMC Under PL 89-311
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 89-311, effective December 1, 1965, provided for the payment of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p) to include
 * style="width:387.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="516"|

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      blindness plus bilateral deafness, which established entitlement to an additional full step of SMC if the evidence showed

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     SC blindness with 5/200 (1.5/60) visual acuity, or less, and

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     bilateral deafness, rated at least 40 percent disabling, with SC hearing impairment in at least one ear, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      blindness plus total deafness in one ear, which established entitlement to an additional half step of SMC if the veteran had

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     SC blindness with 5/200 (1.5/60) visual acuity, or less, and

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     SC total deafness in one ear.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Reference:   For more information on related changes to 38 CFR, Part 3, Adjudication, see Transmittal Sheet 364. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

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d.   SMC Under PL 90-77
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 90-77, effective October 1, 1967
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      amended the criterion restricting concurrent payment under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k) and 38 U.S.C. 1114(s), and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      deleted the prohibition against using an additional disability, rated at least 50 percent disabling, to grant entitlement to an additional half step of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p), when the same disability had been used to establish entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k).

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">References:   For more information on

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      38 U.S.C. 1114(s), see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii, 2.I.56, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      related changes to 38 CFR, Part 3, Adjudication, see Transmittal Sheet 415. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

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e.   SMC Under PL 95-479
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 95-479, effective October 1, 1978, authorized an additional half step of SMC for L/LOU of use of three extremities.
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Reference:   For more information on related changes to 38 CFR, Part 3, Adjudication, see Transmittal Sheet 649. <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">Continued on next page '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
 * }

<p class="MapTitleContinued"> 53. SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p), Continued <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">

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f.   SMC Under PL 97-66
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 97-66, effective October 1, 1981
 * style="width:391.5pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="522"|

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      increased by one full step the levels of SMC payable for bilateral L/LOU of both upper extremities, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      established levels of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p) for the varying levels of L/LOU of the upper extremities.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">The table below lists the criteria set forth in PL 97-66 for establishing entitlement to SMC at the three levels shown. <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">Continued on next page '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
 * }

<p class="MapTitleContinued"> 53. SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p), Continued <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">

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g.   SMC Under PL 97-306
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 97-306, effective October 1, 1982, provided for the payment of an additional half step or a full step of SMC for blindness with loss, or loss of use, of one hand or one foot.
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">The table below lists the criteria set forth in PL 97-306 for establishing entitlement to an additional half or full step of SMC. <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">   Continued on next page '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
 * }

<p class="MapTitleContinued"> 53. SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p), Continued <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">

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h.   SMC Under PL 97-306 for Bilateral Blindness
<p class="MsoBlockText">The veteran is entitled to increased levels of SMC for bilateral blindness with no light perception in one eye.
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Note:   PL 97-306 changed the level of SMC that may be awarded for blindness by equating blindness with no light perception to enucleation of the eye.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Example:   The appropriate level of SMC for bilateral blindness with no light perception in one eye may be calculated as follows:

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      5/200 (1.5/60) & NLP = “m,” and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      LPO & NLP = “m½.” <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

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i.   SMC Under PL 98-223
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 98-223, effective October 1, 1983, authorized an additional
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      full step of SMC for

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     SC blindness, with visual acuity of 5/200 (1.5/60) or less, in combination with

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     bilateral deafness, rated at least 30 percent disabling (with SC hearing impairment in one or both ears), and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      half step of SMC for

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     SC blindness, having LPO or less, with

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     bilateral deafness, rated 10 or 20 percent disabling (with SC hearing impairment in one or both ears).

<p class="TableText">

<p class="TableText">Notes:

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      Prior to enactment of PL 98-223, hearing impairment rated 40 percent disabling was required for entitlement to a full step of SMC.

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      Veterans with bilateral blindness, having better than LPO in either eye, plus SC total deafness in one ear, remain entitled to an additional half step of SMC.

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      Veterans with bilateral blindness, having LPO or less, plus SC total deafness in one ear, are entitled to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(o).

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Reference:   For more information on 38 U.S.C. 1114(o), see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii, 2.I.52. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt"> '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
 * }

54.   SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(q)
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Introduction
<p class="MsoBlockText">This topic contains information on SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(q). It includes information on SMC under
 * style="width:387.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="516"|

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 82-427, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 90-493. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

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Change Date
<p class="MsoBlockText">December 13, 2005 <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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a.   SMC Under PL 82-427
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 82-427, effective August 1, 1952, established a minimum level of SMC for veterans whose tuberculosis was completely arrested.
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Note:   The minimum rate of SMC payable under this law was $67.00. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

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b.   SMC Under PL 90-493
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 90-493, effective August 19, 1968, repealed 38 U.S.C. 1114(q) except for those veterans who on August 19, 1968, were receiving or entitled to receive disability compensation for tuberculosis.
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Reference:   For more information on related changes to 38 CFR, Part 3, Adjudication, see Transmittal Sheet 429. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt"> '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
 * }

55.   SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r)
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Introduction
<p class="MsoBlockText">This topic contains information on SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r). It includes information on SMC under
 * style="width:387.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="516"|

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 85-782

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 95-479, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 96-128. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

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Change Date
<p class="MsoBlockText">December 13, 2005 <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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 * }

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a.   SMC Under PL 85-782
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 85-782, effective October 1, 1958, established a new level of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r). Entitlement was granted if the veteran met the following criteria:
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      the veteran was entitled to the maximum rate under either

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     38 U.S.C. 1114(o), or

<p class="BulletText2" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3"> -     38 U.S.C. 1114(p), and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      was in need of regular A&A.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Notes:

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      Payment of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r) while hospitalized at government expense was prohibited.

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      If the need for A&A was one of the bases for establishing entitlement under either 38 U.S.C. 1114(o) or 38 U.S.C. 1114(p), VA still paid the additional benefit under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r). <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">Continued on next page '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
 * }

<p class="MapTitleContinued"> 55. SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r), Continued <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">

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b.   SMC Under PL 95-479
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 95-479, effective October 1, 1978
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      added a new subsection, 38 U.S.C. 1114(r)(2)

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      redesignated the existing 38 U.S.C. 1114(r) as 38 U.S.C. 1114(r)(1), and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      provided for the payment of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r)(2) if a veteran in receipt of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r)(1) was entitled to a higher level of care.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Note:   Entitlement under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r)(2) while hospitalized at government expense was prohibited.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Reference:   For more information on related changes to 38 CFR, Part 3, Adjudication, see Transmittal Sheet 649. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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c.   SMC Under PL 96-128
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 96-128, effective October 1, 1979, expanded the field of eligible veterans under both 38 U.S.C. 1114(r)(1) and 38 U.S.C. 1114(r)(2) to include veterans rated 100 percent disabled, who are also entitled to SMC at a level of “n½+k,” and are in need of
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      regular A&A under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r)(1), and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      a higher level of care under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r)(2).

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Reference:   For more information on related changes to 38 CFR, Part 3, Adjudication, see Transmittal Sheet 669. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt"> '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
 * }

56.   SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(s)
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Introduction
<p class="MsoBlockText">This topic contains information on SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(s). It includes information on SMC under
 * style="width:387.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="516"|

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 86-663, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 90-77. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
 * }

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Change Date
<p class="MsoBlockText">December 13, 2005 <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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a.   SMC Under PL 86-663
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 86-663, effective September 1, 1960, established a new level of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(s). Entitlement existed if the veteran had an SC disability rated 100 percent disabling and
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      an additional SC disability or disabilities, independently ratable as 60 percent or more disabling, or

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      was permanently housebound by reason of the SC disability or disabilities.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Notes:

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      If the veteran was entitled to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k) by virtue of the   disability ratable as 60 percent disabling, the veteran was to be paid basic disability compensation for the disability considered 100 percent disabling, plus SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k), since the combined rate was a greater benefit than paying basic disability compensation for the disability rated 100 percent disabling, plus SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(s).

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k) was not payable in addition to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(s). <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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b.   SMC Under PL 90-77
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 90-77, effective October 1, 1967, allowed for the payment of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k), in addition to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(s).
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Reference:   For more information on related changes to 38 CFR, Part 3, Adjudication, see Transmittal Sheet 407. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt"> '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
 * }

57.   SMC Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(t)
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Introduction
<p class="MsoBlockText">This topic contains information on SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(t). It includes information on SMC under
 * style="width:387.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt" valign="top" width="516"|

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 95-479, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      PL 99-576. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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Change Date
<p class="MsoBlockText">December 13, 2005 <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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a.   SMC Under PL 95-479
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 95-479, effective October 1, 1978, established a new level of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(t). Entitlement was granted if the veteran
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      was rated less than 100 percent disabled and was entitled to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k) for the L/LOU of an extremity rated 40 percent or more disabling, and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      had L/LOU of a paired extremity as a result of a nonservice-connected (NSC) disability, not the result of the veteran's own willful misconduct, that would be rated, if SC, at least 40 percent disabling.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Note:   38 CFR 3.383 and 38 U.S.C. 1160 allow for the rating of a NSC paired organ or extremity as if SC.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Reference:   For more information on related changes to 38 CFR, Part 3, Adjudication, see Transmittal Sheet 649. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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b.   SMC Under PL 99-576
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 99-576, effective October 28, 1986, repealed 38 U.S.C. 1114(t).
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<p class="MsoBlockText"> <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt"> '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
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58.   Maximum Allowable Rates Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p)
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Introduction
<p class="MsoBlockText">This topic contains information on maximum allowable rates, including information on
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      determining the maximum rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p) for the purpose of   determining entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r)

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      the history of decisions affecting determinations of the maximum allowable rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p)

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      the consequences of the reinterpretation of General Counsel (GC) Opinion 9-63 in 1977

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      determining entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r) after 1977

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      disabilities warranting consideration under 38 U.S.C. 1114(o) or (p), as well as 38 U.S.C. 1114(r). <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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Change Date
<p class="MsoBlockText">December 13, 2005 <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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a.   Determining the Maximum Rate Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p)
<p class="MsoBlockText">PL 85-782, effective October 1, 1958, created a level of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r). One of the ways to establish basic entitlement under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r) was for the veteran to be entitled to the maximum rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p), that is, 38 U.S.C. 1114(o).
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">The question arose as to what constituted the maximum rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p). For example, if a veteran was entitled to “n½” under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p), this rate was less than the maximum under 38 U.S.C. 1114(o). However, if the veteran also had independent entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k), that is, “n½ +k,” the rate payable exceeded the maximum under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p), that is, 38 U.S.C. 1114(o).

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Question:   The question to be resolved then was whether the SMC payable under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k) could be added to the rate payable under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p), in this example, “n½,” to establish basic entitlement to 38 U.S.C. 1114(r).

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Response:   For a history of the relevant decisions that have addressed the question of what constitutes the maximum rate of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p), see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii, 2.I.58.b though d. <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">Continued on next page '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
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<p class="MapTitleContinued"> 58. Maximum Allowable Rates Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p), Continued <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">

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b.   History of Decisions Affecting Determinations of the Maximum Allowable Rate Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p)
<p class="MsoBlockText">The table below describes the history of   relevant decisions affecting determinations of the maximum rate of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p). <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">Continued on next page '''<span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> '''
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<p class="MapTitleContinued"> 58. Maximum Allowable Rates Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p), Continued <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">

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c.   Consequences of the Reinterpretation of General Counsel Opinion 9-63 in 1977
<p class="MsoBlockText">As a consequence of the 1977 decision, and in conjunction with the adjustment necessitated by the rate increase mandated by PL 95-117, effective October 1, 1977, write-outs were generated for each SMC code 15 or 28, “n+3k” and “n½ +k” respectively.
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">The affected cases were to be reviewed to determine whether the veteran required A&A, in order to justify continued entitlement under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r).

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Note:   A liberal interpretation was to be applied in making this determination, and no veteran’s benefit was to be reduced below the rate payable under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r) without review of the veteran’s case by CO. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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d.   Determining Entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r) after 1977
<p class="MsoBlockText">After the 1977 decision, entitlement under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r) for any veterans receiving SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(o), or the maximum rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p), was to be based on whether a factual need for A&A existed.
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Important:   This is the criterion currently in effect. <p class="ContinuedOnNextPa" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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e.   Disabilities Warranting Consideration Under 38 U.S.C. 1114(o) or (p), as well as 38 U.S.C. 1114(r)
<p class="MsoBlockText">The need for A&A may be based on one of the same disabilities that is used to establish entitlement to SMC under either 38 U.S.C. 1114(o) or to the maximum rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p).
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<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Example:

<p class="MsoBlockText">Situation:   The veteran is entitled to

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      SMC at the “n½” level, based on amputation of the left arm at the shoulder and amputation of the right arm above the elbow,   and

<p class="BulletText1" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"> ·      SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p) to (o), based on the existence of a separate disability rated 50 percent disabling.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Result:   If evidence shows the veteran requires A&A by reason of the bilateral amputations, award entitlement to SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(r), using SMC code 55.

<p class="MsoBlockText">

<p class="MsoBlockText">Note:   Because veterans entitled to SMC at these levels are, by definition, very seriously disabled, apply a liberal interpretation of the law in determining the need for A&A. <p class="BlockLine" style="margin-left:0in;mso-border-between:.75pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-between:1.0pt">
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