RI Veterans: Did you know? 1.5.25 (VA Disability Benefits, local events, resources) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues

Additional Monthly VA Benefits to Increase Veteran’s Current Disability-SMC Benefit

Q. I was told that some Veterans may be eligible for VA disability compensation rates that pay more than 100%. Is this true? – Charlie, Tiverton

A. Yes, in some cases, the VA does award Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) to Veterans who meet certain disability criteria. Special Monthly Compensation pays over and above 100%, and the highest levels of SMC can pay upwards of $11,000 per month for a Veteran and spouse.  

What is VA Special Monthly Compensation?

VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is an additional tax-free benefit that can be paid to Veterans, their Spouses, surviving Spouses and parents. For Veterans, Special Monthly Compensation is a higher rate of compensation paid due to special circumstances such as the need of aid and attendance by another person or by specific disability, such as loss of use of one hand or leg. For Spouses and surviving Spouses, this benefit is commonly referred to as aid and attendance and is paid based on the need of aid and attendance by another person.

Some Veterans may be familiar with the lower levels of Special Monthly Compensation like SMC-K for the loss of use of a creative organ or other body part, or SMC-S if the Veteran is housebound or has a single 100% rating plus additional separate and distinct disabilities which total 60% or more. But many Veterans are unfamiliar with the higher levels of SMC. SMC is paid at rates over and above 100% to Veterans who meet specific disability criteria (see the list below for the most common qualifying conditions). 

Recently, I attended a conference and networked with several organizations that specialize in VA SMC. I met Hans, a VA Accredited Agent ( https://www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/find-rep/) and a Veteran himself, who owns and operates American Veteran Advocacy, https://www.americanveteranadvocacy.com  which serves Veterans nationwide. Hans helps Veterans with both initial claims and appeals for disability compensation, but also further specializes in Special Monthly Compensation claims and appeals.

He put together a “cheat sheet” of sorts on his website to help other Veterans better understand what the most common qualifying conditions are for Special Monthly Compensation:

Veterans who are eligible for SMC typically have one or more of the following:

Multiple missing limbs (or portions of limbs) or loss of use of multiple extremities from conditions like Parkinson’s or Diabetes II w/peripheral neuropathy, or;

In need of the regular aid and attendance of another for assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, medication management, etc. because of a service-connected physical or mental condition (this includes if the Veteran needs the aid and attendance of another because they are a threat to themselves or others), or;

Other conditions that could be a good basis for SMC if they result in the Veteran needing assistance with activities of daily living or loss of use would be ALS, ischemic heart disease, interstitial lung disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, COPD with oxygen, any cancers, and severe PTSD or other similar major disorder. 

That list is not exhaustive, just a list of the most common qualifying conditions. These conditions would obviously need to be related to the Veteran’s military service and service-connected in order to qualify. You can find that list and other information on the FAQs page on Hans’ website: https://www.americanveteranadvocacy.com/faqs

Examples:

There are different categories that determine the type and amount of Special Monthly Compensation. Each one has different requirements for the conditions and combinations that qualify for Special Monthly Compensation under that category. 

When I asked, Hans said that the most common SMC claim he sees is for Veterans who need Aid & Attendance (SCM-L), which pays roughly $936 per month more than a 100% rating for a Veteran and spouse. There are a few ways to qualify for SMC-L but the most common way is for Veterans who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, medication management, etc. This also includes if the Veteran is a threat to themselves or others. 

Let’s look at a couple examples of Veterans who could be eligible for SMC-L:

Hans said that he also sees a fair amount of Veterans who would be eligible for SMC due to a service-connected TBI, where the Veteran needs assistance with activities of daily living due to the residuals of their TBI. That would make the Veteran eligible for SMC-T. He wrote an article on his website about the new eligibility criteria which was set by a major court decision last year: https://www.americanveteranadvocacy.com/blog/laska-decison-tbi

Veterans don’t necessarily have to be rated at 100% for a single condition to be eligible for the higher levels of SMC, but it does help. Sometimes Veterans may have conditions and symptoms that would make them eligible for SMC, but their current ratings were awarded years ago and don’t reflect the true severity of their symptoms. Those Veterans might need to work on getting their other ratings increased first before pursuing SMC. 

Hans explains, “Let’s say for instance you have a Veteran who is 40% for TBI and 50% for PTSD, but based on his symptoms he really should be 100% for PTSD and potentially the same or a little higher for TBI. In that case it likely would be helpful to put in for an increase first for those conditions, and then maybe explore SMC. But you’ve got to be very tactful about how you do things with SMC. The VA likes to lump everything together which may box you out of higher rates of SMC.”

“Special Monthly Compensation is unfortunately a very poorly understood portion of Veterans benefits, even by many advocates.” Hans continues. “In certain ways SMC operates off of very different rules versus regular VA disability compensation. If a Veteran is wondering if they might be eligible or they are thinking about putting in an SMC claim, they should try and find an advocate who is well-versed in SMC.”

If you need help with a VA disability compensation claim or appeal, or think you might be eligible for SMC, you can reach Hans through the contact form or phone number on the contact page of his website: https://www.americanveteranadvocacy.com/

Just recently, the Rhode Island House of Representatives passed legislation to protect veterans filing claims for disability benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from unethical practices. The bill, sponsored by House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Samuel A. Azzinaro, aims to prevent individuals or groups from charging fees for advising or assisting veterans with their claims, except as authorized by federal law. 

Key Points of the Legislation:

SMC benefit is very confusing. A veteran who believes he or she is eligible for the benefit can find more information on VA website, https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/special-monthly-compensation-rates/

How do I file for SMC Claim?

Step 1, I would call the 1-800-827-1000 number, and communicate you want to file an Intent to file. The VA representative would only ask you for some PII, not details on what you are intending to file for. An intent to file places a date the claim was started, and gives the veteran a year to complete the rest of the filing. If you don’t complete within a year, no penalty; you just won’t get retroactive benefits to the date of the Intent to File. 

Step 2, VA Form VA Form 21-526EZ, the standard form for filing a claim for disability compensation. 

To file a claim for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), you typically use VA Form 21-526EZ, the standard form for filing a claim for disability compensation. While you don’t specifically request a specific SMC level, filing this form and providing strong evidence of your eligibility for SMC (like Aid and Attendance) can increase your chances of it being awarded. 

This form is the primary application for VA disability compensation. It’s used to claim any type of disability and can be used to initiate a claim for SMC. 

The Italian American War Veterans of the US Veteran Service Officer / Advocate provides free assistance and counseling on understanding not only SMC benefits, but all VA, federal, state and local benefits. Contact the organization, [email protected] or (401) 677-9838.

In conclusion, Hans is one of many accredited individuals assisting veterans with the VA claim process. Veterans should shop around when selecting an attorney or claims agents.

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Update on Martha’s Vineyard Veterans fundraising for In-person Counseling program

The VA cut the in-person counseling for veterans living on Martha’s Vineyard, with an anticipated savings of $80,000 per year. Although the in-person was replaced with teleservice counseling for those veterans seeking counseling or readjustment counseling, not all veterans will opt in for this service.

The MV veterans took the matter into their own hands. Starting a fundraiser to self-fund the program. 

Last week, John Cianci of the Italian American War Veterans of the US / Department of RI, traveled by car and then ferry to hand deliver a check totaling $1500. In addition, almost another $500 was donated in veteran hats that the ITAM organization donated to the event.

An estimated $50,000 of the required $80,000 has been raised by the MV Community Center. Additional fundraising activities are being planned.

If you would like to donate, checks can be mailed to the Italian American War Veterans of US, 18 Winchester Ave, North Smithfield RI 02896 (mark MV VETS in remarks) or GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-restore-counseling-for-mv-war-veterans

Shout out to MVTimes for keeping RINEWSTODAY abreast on this very important issue for our veterans.

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Rhode Island House passes bill to protect Veterans

The Rhode Island House of Representatives voted to pass Chairman Samuel J. Azzinaro’s bill, House Bill Number 5043, to protect Rhode Island veterans against unaccredited, for-profit, predatory, claim sharks. This is the second year in a row that the House has passed this legislation. In 2024, they passed Chairman Azzinaro’s bill, House Bill Number 7609.

The Senate version of the bill was submitted by Senator Walter Felig ( Senate Bill 71), and was scheduled for a hearing on April 30, 2025.

Rhode Island veteran Tiger Patrick , Past VFW State Commander, yesterday marched from the Rhode Island Veteran Cemetery in Exeter to the Rhode Island State House, showing his support for the bill.

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EVENTS

May 2, Friday (always the first Friday), Medicine Horse, Silva Spirit Farm, 1600 Eagleville Road, Tiverton RI, “Fall in Friday” for active duty, veterans and first responders. No appointment, drop in from 10:00 to 12:00. Refreshments include homemade cookies. For more information, (401) 640-7506, https://www.facebook.com/SilvaSpiritFarm

May 2, 2025, Badgers Pub, 530 Broadway, Pawtucket, First Friday of every month, Veterans eat for FREE. Veteran-owned, Iraqi War veteran Jason Badger. Veterans can order anything off the menu free of charge, said Badger’s owner Jason Badger, including the bar’s New York System hot wieners and their fish and chips. Along with the free meals, veterans can partake in a variety of activities during the week, including bingo on Mondays, darts on Tuesdays, high-lo jack on Wednesdays, indoor cornhole on Thursdays, and Karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays, Badger said. The bar also hosts poker on Saturdays and Sundays.

May 3, 2025, Saturday, Christ Church 57 Main Street, Swansea MA 8:00 to 10:00, FREE Breakfast (First Saturday of every month). Veteran and one guest. Thanks to all the vets and volunteers today Christ Church! Free Veterans. Breakfast is first Saturday of every month. BUILDING BRIDGES FORVETERANS GROUP American Legion Post #303 Swansea, MA. Bravo to all! Special thanks to Judith Fardig for all the fantastic photos. 

May 5, 2025, Monday, 9:00 to 11:00 Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House sponsored by the Italian-American war Veterans of US. Free to all veterans and guests. Refreshments include ROMA’s Italian Toast, pastries, calzones, and pizza. For more information, contact ITAM , at (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]

May 14, 2025 (always the 2^nd Wednesday of month) toast n’ tap, 5:00-7:00, Toast n’ Tap, 45 Quaker Lane, W. Warwick RI. The Italian American War Veterans of the US will provide a FREE Dinner for all veterans and one guest.

May 19, 2025, 11:30 to 1:00 FREE Luncheon (always the third Monday of the month), Perella’s Ristorante, 311 Metacom Ave, Warren, R.I. For more information, call (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected]

May 23-25, 2025 Boots on Ground For Heroes, Fort Adams, Newport RI

May 28, 2025  Wednesday, Rosario Club, 17 Rosario Drive, Providence RI, 500-700 pm. Italian American War Veterans of US/Department of Rhode Island monthly membership dinner, 5:00 to 7:00 pm. For more information, contact John (401) 677-9838, or via email . NEW MEMBER DRIVE. Free meal and set of dog tags for all interested veterans looking to join. Limited space, email me to secure space for yourself and guest. And all children are also invited with guests. [email protected]

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Help our Veterans at the Operation Stand Down Food Bank! 

Supplies are low – please stop by with items – or make a monetary contribution. 

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VETERANS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Italian American War Veterans of US (ITAM) Volunteer Opportunities:

Leave No Veteran Alone Program ““ Monday and Saturday, ITAM seeks volunteers to meet up at designated nursing homes to meet and socialize with veterans living at the facility. We schedule the facilities 30 to 60 days in advance. Volunteers socialize with veterans and TRY TO SPOIL them with refreshments we provide.  Point of contact, Wendy Cianci, assistant (401) 677-9838.

Monthly Schedule for long term care and assisted living facilities needing volunteers:

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Disabled American Veterans Volunteer Drivers Needed at VA Providence

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Join VA Providence’s Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN) and help ensure Veterans get to their medical appointments with ease and dignity. As a volunteer driver, you’ll play a vital role by picking up and dropping off Veterans using our DAV vans.

Let’s make the road smoother for those who’ve served-volunteer today!

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Free Help for Homeless Veterans or those at housing risk

Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness””and their family members, friends, and supporters””can make the call to or chat online with the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Who Can Call

• Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Family members, friends and supporters calling on behalf of Veterans
• VA Medical Centers and other VA facilities and staff
• Federal, state and local partners
• Community agencies and providers who serve Veterans who are homeless

Why Make the Call to 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838)

• It’s free and confidential
• You’ll get access to trained VA counselors
• It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• You’ll get information about VA homeless programs, health care and other services in your area

What Happens When Veterans Make the Call

• A trained VA staff member asks a few questions to find out what you need
• Then, you’re connected to the nearest VA staff person who can help
• What Happens When Others Make the Call
• Family members and non-VA providers receive information about available homeless programs and services
• They can keep their information confidential or leave contact information so staff can follow up
• VA’s Resources for Homeless and At-Risk Veterans
• VA offers a wide array of services to help homeless and at-risk Veterans. 

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Free Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Licenses for 100% Disabled Veterans: 

A Veteran who has a 100% disability rating from the VA is eligible for free Rhode Island hunting and fishing licenses. No cost licenses are available if you are:

To apply in person at DEM, please bring a photo ID and an ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. (directions)

To apply by mail, please complete an application and mail the application and a copy of your photo ID and the ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Please allow two weeks for processing. The address to obtain your license in person or by mail is:
 DEM Licensing Office
235 Promenade Street, Room 360
, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-3576

To purchase online, you will be required to certify that you have an ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). You will also be required to enter the date the decision expires. The Department will audit compliance with the certification and may, at any time, request a copy of the current DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Failure to submit the documentation by the date requested may result in the suspension of your fishing and hunting license. Also, Rhode Island General Law 11-18-1 prohibits giving false documents to an agent, employee, or public official. The penalty is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to one year.

Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Benefits for Service Members and Veterans: Rhode Island offers several hunting and fishing benefits to Service members and Veterans. A short description of each is listed below. Applicants are required to show documentation proving eligibility when they apply:

Applicants can apply online at Rhode Island Outdoors, in person at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Office of Boating Registration and Licenses in Providence (Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), at an Authorized In-Person Sales Agent, or they can mail applications to:

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, 
235 Promenade Street, Room 360, 
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-222-3576

Learn more about FREE Rhode Island Hunting , Fishing, State Parks, and Golf  Benefits for Service Members and Veterans

https://dem.ri.gov/about–us/dem–offices/boating–registration–licenses/rhodeislandoutdoors#:~:text=If%20you%20qualify%20for%20a,that%20issued%20the%2 0disability%20decision.

Free Rhode Island State Park Passes for 100% Disabled Veterans:  Rhode Island offers the State Park Disability Pass for use at any state-owned recreational facility to disabled Veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA.

The State Park Disability Pass authorizes free admission and parking but does not exempt the following:

If the disabled Veteran cannot drive, the vehicle transporting the Veteran will not be charged. Veterans must apply in person at the Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters and are required to show official documentation (dated within the past year) from the VA that states they have a 100% service-connected disability. Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters, 
1100 Tower Hill Road
North Kingstown, RI 02852
Phone: 401-6676200
Email: [email protected]

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RESOURCES & ongoing groups 

Below are all the groups the Providence Vet Center is currently offering.”¯ As this list changes, I will provide updates. Please send me any questions that you may have, thank you for your time! 

***All Vet Center Groups require that the Veteran be enrolled with the Vet Center prior to attending. To check eligibility or for questions, please contact the Vet Center at (401) 739-0167 or reach out to our Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (VOPS) 

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Discounts for Veterans 

Services 

No Problem Plumbing and Heating LLC – 15% military discount, ask for Ron Gaynor, (401) 568-6666. Veterans must provide proof of eligibility with a VA Card, VA ID Card, or RI State license with veteran identification. 

Restaurants 

Applebee’s – Military Discount. With more than 2,000 locations, Applebee’s is a family grill restaurant. Applebee’s gives 10% off for active duty and veteran. Last verified 07/31/2022. 

Badger’s Pub – 530 Broadway, Pawtucket is now offering a free meal to veterans every first Friday of the month at the bar. Veterans can partake in a variety of activities during the week, including bingo on Mondays, darts on Tuesdays, high-lo jack on Wednesdays, indoor cornhole on Thursdays, and Karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays, Badger said. The bar also hosts poker on Saturdays and Sundays.

Denny’s – Hartford Ave, Johnston offers 10% discount for veterans and active duty. Denny’s is a table service diner-style restaurant chain.”¯ Last verified 07/31/2022. 

Outback Steakhouse – 10% Discount to active and veterans. Last verified 07/28/2021 

99 Restaurant & Pub – The 99 Restaurant & Pub offers a 10% military discount to members of Veterans Advantage. Available at select locations only. Bring valid military ID 

Retailers 

Advance Auto Parts – 10% for Active Duty, Veterans, and families. Last verified 07/28/2021 

Bass Pro Shops – Offers a 5% discount to active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard. Sign up and verify your status online or bring your military ID when you shop at your nearest Bass Pro store (source). 

BJs Wholesale – Reduced membership fee. BJ’s offers all military personnel over 25% off their Membership. Last verified 07/28/2021 

Lowes – Enroll in the Lowe’s Military Discount Program to activate your 10% discount ““ “Our way of saying Thank You” to our active duty, retired and military veterans and their spouses with a 10% discount on eligible items. Verification of your military status is fast and easy through our partner

GameStop – is offering a 10% in-store military discount on all pre-owned products, collectibles, and select new products. Available to current and former military members who bring any valid proof of service or when they verify through “¯ID.me 

Home Depot – Offers a 10% off military discount on regularly priced merchandise for in-store purchases for active duty, retired military, and reservists at participating locations. Customers are required to show a valid government-issued military ID card to redeem this offer. 

Kohls – 15% discount offers for active military, veterans, retirees, and their immediate family members a 15% discount on purchases made on Mondays, in store only. In order to receive the military discount, eligible customers must present proper identification along with any tender type. 

Jiffy Lube – HONORING VETERANS ALL DAY EVERY DAY! ““ We didn’t want to wait for Veteran’s Day to express our appreciation and gratitude for your service. That’s why every Team Car Care owned and operated Jiffy Lube® service center is offering our BEST discount of 10% OFF as a “Thank You” to the men and women of our Armed Forces for their service to our country. *Disclaimer*- I.D. required. No coupon is required. Excludes batteries and brakes, alignment, and diagnostic services. Available only at 3 select locations: Tioque Ave, Coventry RI ““ Bald Hill Road, Warwick RI ““ Park Ave, Cranston RI 

Michaels – offers a 15% off military discount on the entire in-store purchase including sale items for active duty, retired military, guard, reservists, veterans, and family members. How to get: 1. Create an account. Log in to Michaels Rewards. 2. Get verified. Provide your military information to get verified, instantly. 3. Go shopping! To use your discount online and in store, just sign into your account or provide your Michaels Rewards phone number at checkout. 

O’Reilly Auto Parts -10% discount on in store items for Active Duty, Veterans and families. Last verified 3/4/21. 

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If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to: [email protected]; the business’s name, location, and military and veteran discount offered.

If you have an event, meeting, other pertinent veteran information, or email questions or help needed, contact the Italian American War Veteran Service Officer, John A Cianci, [email protected], ITAM Office 1-(401)677-9VET(9838)  

To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/  

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John A. Cianci is a Veteran Service Officer. Retired, U.S. Army MSgt., Persian Gulf War and Iraq War combat theater.

Cianci, a combat disabled Veteran, served in Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Good Conduct, and others.

Cianci belongs to numerous veterans organizations ““ Italian American War Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, and many more organizations. He is an active volunteer assisting veterans to navigate federal and state benefits they have earned. He is Department of Rhode Island Department Commander Italian American War Veterans and Veteran Service Officer.

He is a graduate of Roger Williams University (BS Finance), UCONN business school* (Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans), Solar Energy International Residential, Commercial and Battery Based Photovoltaic Systems certificate programs, numerous certificates from the Department of Defense renewable energy programs, including graduate of the Solar Ready Vets Program.