SMC-T: Aid and attendance for traumatic brain injury residuals

What this level is

SMC-T is the special aid-and-attendance benefit for residuals of traumatic brain injury in 38 U.S.C. § 1114(t) and 38 CFR § 3.350(j). It is not a general aid-and-attendance level, and it is not SMC-R. It applies when the need for regular aid and attendance is for service-connected traumatic brain injury residuals, the veteran is not eligible for § 1114(r)(2), and without that aid and attendance the veteran would require hospitalization, nursing home care, or other residential institutional care.

How it is paid

SMC-T is not an add-on like SMC-K. Section 3.350(j)(1) describes the amount as the compensation authorized under § 1114(o), or the maximum rate authorized under § 1114(p), plus a monthly allowance equal to the rate in § 1114(r)(2), during periods the veteran is not hospitalized at United States Government expense. See § 3.552(b)(2) on continuance after admission. Section 1114(t) and § 3.350(j)(2) say the allowance is paid in lieu of any allowance under § 1114(r)(1). The statute makes the benefit subject to 38 U.S.C. § 5503(c). VA.gov’s rate table effective December 1, 2025 lists T in the same column as R.2, labeled SMC-R.2/T. This page does not print that amount.

Criteria

• As the result of service-connected disability, the veteran needs regular aid and attendance for the residuals of traumatic brain injury.
• The veteran is not eligible for compensation under § 1114(r)(2).
• In the absence of that regular aid and attendance, the veteran would require hospitalization, nursing home care, or other residential institutional care.
• Section 3.350(j) says the need is determined under § 3.352.