Many TBI veterans qualify for special monthly compensation
November 11, 2018
The U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently extended special monthly compensation benefits to veterans afflicted with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The special monthly compensation is an aid benefit that the VA in June extended to qualifying veterans with TBI. The pay is in addition to disability benefits already approved for veterans.
For veterans with TBI to qualify for the special monthly compensation, they have to be incapable of:
- Dressing or undressing without assistance;
- Staying clean and presentable without help; or,
- Feeding or caring for themselves without aid.
Veterans diagnosed with TBI, who qualify for special monthly compensation will get paid the R.2 rate, which is the same as the T rate. That comes out to more than $8,500 in additional monthly disability benefits for qualifying veterans.
The VA in October 2011 implemented provisions of the Veterans’ Benefits Act of 2010, which extended the special monthly compensation benefit to veterans afflicted with TBI. Unfortunately, most veterans found it difficult to apply for the benefit and often had to appeal denials. A new federal rule that took effect on June 7 makes it easier for veterans afflicted with TBI to find assistance to pay for hospital stays, residential care centers and nursing homes.
Michigan has more than 630,000 military veterans among is residents, and many are afflicted with TBI. The new federal rules should help veterans to afford specialized care and support services when their conditions make it too difficult to perform basic daily tasks.