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.