SMC-P: Intermediate or next higher rate

What this level is

SMC-P is the intermediate-rate and next-higher-rate authority in 38 U.S.C. § 1114(p), carried out in 38 CFR § 3.350(f). It is not a separate finding of helplessness. Helplessness that meets § 3.352(a) can be an SMC-L basis. Helplessness used as one of two rates toward SMC-O is limited by § 3.350(e).

How it is paid

An intermediate or next-higher rate under § 1114(p) is paid instead of the schedular 10 to 100 percent table. It is not an add-on like SMC-K. The statute does not allow it to exceed the § 1114(o) rate. Section 3.350(f)(5) says the three-extremity increase may not exceed the amount stated in § 1114(p). VA.gov’s rate table effective December 1, 2025 shows intermediate columns labeled SMC-L 1/2, SMC-M 1/2, and SMC-N 1/2, and a column labeled SMC-O/P. Those are payment columns for this authority. They are not extra statutory letters.

Criteria

• If the veteran’s service-connected disabilities exceed the requirements for any rate in § 1114, the Secretary may allow the next higher rate or an intermediate rate, not above the § 1114(o) rate.
• The statute sets an intermediate rate at the arithmetic mean between the two rates, rounded down to the nearest dollar. Section 3.350(f) says the arithmetic mean, rounded to the nearest dollar. Read both texts for the version that applies.
• Section 1114(p) requires the next higher rate for service-connected blindness with 5/200 visual acuity or less plus bilateral deafness, service-connected in one or both ears, rated at least 30 percent. It requires the next intermediate rate for that blindness plus service-connected total deafness in one ear, or plus service-connected anatomical loss or loss of use of one hand or one foot. It requires the next intermediate rate for blindness having only light perception or less plus bilateral deafness, service-connected in one or both ears, rated at 10 or 20 percent. It requires the next higher or intermediate rate for anatomical loss or loss of use, or a combination, of three extremities. None of those increases may exceed the ceiling § 1114(p) states.
• Section 3.350(f)(1) lists pairings of a foot, leg, hand, or arm with a loss at a higher level. Each listed pairing pays either the rate between two subsections or the rate equal to the next subsection.
• Section 3.350(f)(2) covers bilateral eye conditions and blindness together with deafness or with loss or loss of use of a hand or foot. Those rules can move the rate to the next higher intermediate rate or the next higher statutory rate, and they stop at the (o) rate.
• Section 3.350(f)(3): in addition to a rate under § 1114(l) through (n) or an intermediate rate, an additional single permanent disability, or a combination of permanent disabilities, independently ratable at 50 percent or more will afford the next higher intermediate rate, or, if the veteran is already at an intermediate rate, the next higher statutory rate, not above (o). The additional disability must be separate and distinct and involve different anatomical segments or bodily systems. Graduated ratings for arrested tuberculosis are not used. Permanent residuals of tuberculosis may be used.
• Section 3.350(f)(4): an additional single permanent disability independently ratable at 100 percent, apart from individual unemployability, affords the next higher statutory rate, or, if the veteran is already at an intermediate rate, the next higher intermediate rate, not above (o). That disability must be separate and distinct and involve different anatomical segments or bodily systems from the condition that established the (l) through (n) or intermediate rate.
• Section 3.350(f)(5): anatomical loss or loss of use, or a combination, of three extremities entitles the veteran to the next higher rate, whether that rate is statutory or intermediate. The maximum may not exceed the amount stated in § 1114(p).