Secret VA Benefits: Special Monthly Compensation and Total Disability Individual Unemployability

Summary

In this informative video, Combat Craig discusses maximizing veterans' benefits through a strategy called the 'SMCs kicker.' He advises using a vocational assessment by an expert to secure Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) in addition to a 100% TDIU rating. Craig emphasizes selecting an 'anchor disability' for the TDIU claim, ideally a lower-rated condition, to ease achieving the required 60% disability for SMC. He also mentions the significant financial boost of an extra $400 per month, tax-free, for life, and provides resources for further assistance and understanding of the VA claims process.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video is about maximizing veterans' benefits by obtaining Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) in addition to a 100% Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) rating.
• 💡 The key strategy for this is to use a vocational assessment conducted by a vocational expert, which is essential for pursuing a TDIU claim effectively.
• 🔗 A link to a vocational assessment example is provided on the website combatcraig.com for viewers to download and use.
• 💰 The financial benefit for a veteran alone receiving SMC is $3,729.64, with an additional $1,703.80 for those needing assistance.
• 🔑 The concept of an 'anchor disability' is introduced, which should be one of the veteran's disabilities but not necessarily the highest rated.
• ⚠️ It's suggested not to use the highest rated disability as the anchor for SMC, as it might be needed for other purposes.
• 📈 The goal is to have one disability rated at 100% for TDIU and the rest adding up to 60% using the combined ratings table, which is a method specific to the VA.
• 🤔 The strategy involves selecting a lower-rated disability that is believable and can be anchored to the 100% portion of the combined ratings table for easier attainment of the 60%.
• 🤝 The VA is supposed to assist with this process, but a vocational expert's guidance can be crucial in strategically focusing on specific disabilities.
• 💼 The video mentions a boot camp for learning more about the VA claims process and offers live interaction with the host.
• 📝 For those needing medical evidence or proper documentation of symptoms, there's a service provided on combatcraig.com to assist with Nexus letters.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Combat Craig's video?

The main topic of Combat Craig's video is discussing strategies for maximizing veterans' benefits by obtaining Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) in addition to a 100% Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) rating.

What is the term 'SMCs kicker' referring to in the video?

The term 'SMCs kicker' refers to the additional financial benefit a veteran can receive by successfully pursuing a TDIU claim along with SMC, which can result in an extra $400 per month.

What is the key to winning with the SMC strategy according to Combat Craig?

The key to winning with the SMC strategy is using a vocational assessment done by a vocational expert, which is crucial and not recommended to be done without professional guidance.

Where can viewers find a vocational assessment example?

Viewers can find a vocational assessment example on Combat Craig's website, bootcamp.combatcraig.com, where they can download it for use with a vocational expert.

What is the monthly payline for veterans who receive SMC without an attendant?

The monthly payline for veterans who receive SMC without an attendant is $3,729.64.

What is the additional amount a veteran receives if they have an attendant?

If a veteran has an attendant, they receive an additional amount of $1,703.80 on top of the base SMC rate.

What is the purpose of the 'anchor disability' in the SMC strategy?

The 'anchor disability' is a specific disability that a veteran focuses on to maximize their benefits. It should be one disability that is rated at 100% and used to anchor the TDIU claim, allowing the rest of the disabilities to add up to 60% using the combined ratings table.

Why might a veteran choose not to use their highest rated disability as the anchor disability?

A veteran might choose not to use their highest rated disability as the anchor disability because they might need that higher rating for other SMC considerations, and focusing on a lower-rated disability can make it easier to achieve the required 60% total disability rating.

What does Combat Craig suggest regarding the use of the highest rated disability in the SMC strategy?

Combat Craig suggests avoiding the use of the highest rated disability if possible, as the goal is to have one disability rated at 100% for TDIU and the rest to add up to 60%, which can be more strategically advantageous.

How does the VA's combined ratings table work in the context of the SMC strategy?

The VA's combined ratings table is used to add up the ratings of a veteran's disabilities to reach a total disability percentage. In the context of the SMC strategy, one disability is rated at 100% for TDIU, and the rest should add up to 60% to maximize benefits.

What additional resources does Combat Craig offer for veterans interested in the VA claims process?

Combat Craig offers a boot camp where veterans can learn more about the VA claims process and talk to him live. There is also a service for obtaining medical evidence like Nexus letters through their website, combatcraig.com.

Outlines

00:00

💰 Maximizing Benefits with SMCs Kicker Strategy

Combat Craig introduces a strategy for maximizing veterans' benefits by obtaining Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) on top of a 100% Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) rating. He emphasizes the importance of using a vocational assessment conducted by a vocational expert. Craig provides a link to an example vocational assessment on his website, bootcampcombatcraig.com, for viewers to utilize. The video outlines the financial benefits of receiving SMC, which can increase a veteran's monthly compensation from $3,326 to $3,729.64. The strategy involves identifying an 'anchor disability' that is not necessarily the highest rating but is used to calculate the additional 60% needed for SMC, based on the combined ratings table. Craig advises against using the highest rated disability for this strategy. He also mentions the role of the VA in assisting with the process and the potential for an extra $400 tax-free monthly income for life with the right approach.

Keywords

💡Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is a benefit provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans who have a certain level of disability. In the video, SMC is highlighted as a significant financial benefit that veterans can receive in addition to their 100% Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) rating. The script mentions that the SMC for a veteran alone is $3,729.64, which is a substantial increase from the regular compensation.

💡Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)

TDIU is a VA benefit that considers a veteran to be totally disabled even if their combined disability rating is less than 100%, if the veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as a result of their disabilities. The video discusses a strategy to maximize benefits by obtaining SMC on top of a 100% TDIU rating, emphasizing the financial advantage of this approach.

💡Vocational Assessment

A vocational assessment is a tool used to evaluate a person's skills, interests, and abilities in relation to employment. In the context of the video, a vocational assessment conducted by a vocational expert is recommended to support a TDIU claim and to strategize the pursuit of SMC. The script suggests that this assessment should focus on one disability to serve as the 'anchor disability' for the claim.

💡Vocational Expert

A vocational expert is a professional who specializes in evaluating a person's vocational capabilities and potential for employment. The video emphasizes the importance of working with a vocational expert to navigate the process of obtaining SMC and TDIU benefits, as they can provide a professional assessment that supports the veteran's claim.

💡Anchor Disability

In the video, the term 'anchor disability' refers to the specific disability that a veteran chooses to focus on when pursuing SMC and TDIU benefits. It does not necessarily have to be the highest rated disability and is strategically chosen to maximize the combined disability rating towards the goal of 60%, as per VA regulations.

💡Combined Ratings Table

The Combined Ratings Table is used by the VA to determine the overall disability rating when a veteran has multiple disabilities. The video script explains that the goal is to have one disability rated at 100% for TDIU and the rest of the disabilities add up to 60% using this table, which is a unique calculation method referred to as 'VA math'.

💡VA Math

VA Math refers to the calculation method used by the VA to determine disability ratings when multiple disabilities are present. The video uses the term to illustrate the strategy of maximizing benefits by strategically choosing the anchor disability and using the Combined Ratings Table to reach the desired disability rating for SMC eligibility.

💡Boot Camp

In the video, the term 'boot camp' refers to an educational program or resource offered by the speaker to help veterans learn more about the VA claims process. The script provides a link to this boot camp on the website 'combat craig.com', indicating that it offers live interaction and guidance on navigating the VA system.

💡Nexus Letters

Nexus Letters are medical documents that establish a connection between a veteran's service and their disability. The video mentions that for veterans needing medical evidence or proper documentation of symptoms, they can access Nexus Letters through the speaker's website, which is part of the resources provided to assist with VA claims.

💡MedTeam

MedTeam appears to be a service or group associated with the speaker's website, which assists veterans in obtaining medical evidence for their VA claims. The script suggests that veterans can fill out a form on 'combat craig.com' under 'MedTeam Nexus letters' to receive this assistance.

Highlights

Introduction to special monthly compensation (SMC) kicker strategy for maximizing benefits with TDIU claim.

Emphasis on the importance of a vocational assessment by a vocational expert for the SMC kicker strategy.

Link provided for downloading a vocational assessment example on bootcampcombatcraig.com.

Explanation of the payline for veterans receiving SMCs, with a significant increase to $3,729.64 for a veteran alone.

The concept of 'anchor disability' introduced as a key strategy for maximizing benefits without using the highest rating.

Advice against using the highest rated disability for the SMC kicker strategy.

Discussion on using VA math and the combined ratings table for calculating disability benefits.

Suggestion to focus on lower-rated disabilities for the anchor to achieve the 60% threshold more easily.

Mention of the VA's duty to assist and how a vocational expert can influence the disability rating process.

Strategy to avoid focusing on the highest mental health rating to maximize the SMC kicker benefit.

Highlight of the potential for an extra $400 per month, tax-free, for life with the SMC kicker strategy.

Promotion of Combat Craig's boot camp for more information on the VA claims process.

Information on obtaining medical evidence such as a Nexus letter through combatcraig.com.

The significance of proper documentation of symptoms for maximizing benefits.

Encouragement to visit combatcraig.com for resources on the VA claims process and medical evidence.

The potential long-term financial impact of the SMC kicker strategy, emphasizing the tax-free benefit for life.

Transcripts

what's up guys I'm combat Craig and

today we're talking about special

monthly compensation s in addition to

tdiu for the win I'm calling this the

smcs kicker in this video I'll be

covering a strategy you should deploy

when pursuing a tdiu claim so you make

sure you maximize your benefits by

getting special monthly compensation s

on top of your 100% tdiu rating the key

to winning with this particular Strate

is using a vocational assessment that's

done by a vocational expert I wouldn't

recommend deploying this one without a

vocational assessment and a vocational

expert so um I put a uh Link in my uh

boot camp combat craig.com and you could

download a vocational assessment example

take that over to a vocational expert

combat.com download it and you'll be

good to go so here's the payline for

veterans that receive special monthly

compensation s the veteran only is

$3,729 64 if you get eight in attendance

it's an extra

17038 I'll leave a link to this in the

description because if you have

dependants and kids and all that kind of

stuff it's going to change so there's a

link to all the smcs stuff in the

description but basically what we're

talking about for veteran alone is going

from $332

6 to

$3,729

64 so about a $400 jump here so if you

play your cards right and you have a

strategy you could come up on an extra

400 bucks which I call the smcs kicker

Yeehaw in order to do this right you

want to have your vocational expert

focus in on one

disability um and we're going to call

that one your anchor disability it

doesn't have to be your highest rating

and um I would suggest not using your

highest rating because you might might

need that for smcs SM smcs is this you

have one rating at 100% And then the

rest of your ratings add up to 60 and

this is not using math math this is

using VA math aka the combined ratings

table I wouldn't recommend going after

the highest rated disability if you can

avoid it the goal here is to have one of

your disabilities anchored to TDI

which is the one they make

100% And then you have the rest of your

disabilities add up to 60 using the

combined ratings table so this is

something like if you have a bunch of

little shitty lowball Orthopedic

conditions you know 10 10 10 and 20 and

maybe a 30 or something like that you'll

want to go after one of those lower

ratings if possible and relevant and

anchor one of those to the 100% portion

of CS so you could use one of your

higher ratings and it's easier for you

to uh get that extra 60 because we're

using the com combined ratings table VA

math is working against you see if you

can anchor one of your lower rated

disabilities it's got to be

believable probably not tonight is but

maybe something else maybe something

that's 30 make that your anchor so it's

easy for you to get that 60% now

normally the uh VA Raider is going to do

all this for you and they're going to do

it for you anyway because you know duty

to assist and all that kind of stuff but

if your vocational expert steers hey

he's got all these disabilities and they

all impair his work and everything but

it's the migraines or it's the 30%

rating for gird or whatever something

lower a 30 or a 40 the 40 for your back

and then they kind of just not focus on

um your 70% mental health

rating they're going to see that see

what you're doing and there supposed to

give you the uh highest available rating

which would be smcs so this is awesome

100%

tdiu with the SMC kicker 37 29 59 or

whatever I said extra 400 bucks a month

taxfree for the rest of your life till

you die something to keep in mind let me

jump in here real quick and tell you

about my boot camp if you want to learn

more about the VA claims process check

out my boot camp you can talk to me live

there's a link on the website and in the

description combat craig.com and also if

you need medical evidence like a Nexus

or documenting your symptoms properly go

to our website combat craig.com and it

says medteam Nexus letters click on that

link fill out the form boom you're done