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Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living

Who qualifies?

All servicemembers who:

-- Have a catastrophic injury or illness incurred or aggravated in the line of duty;

Catastrophic: A permanent severely disabling injury, disorder or illness incurred or aggravated in the line of duty that the Secretary of the Military Department concerned determines compromises the ability of the afflicted person to carry out activities of daily living to such a degree that the person requires personal or mechanical assistance to leave home or bed, or constant supervision to avoid physical harm to self or others.

-- Have been certified by a Department of Defense (DoD) or Veterans Affairs (VA) physician to be in need of assistance from another person to perform the personal functions required in daily living or require constant supervision;

-- Would, in the absence of this provision, require some form of residential

-- Are not currently in inpatient status in a medical facility

Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (SCAADL) was authorized by the Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act. This special monthly compensation is for servicemembers who incur a permanent catastrophic injury or illness. SCAADL helps offset the loss of income by a primary caregiver who provides non-medical care, support, and assistance for the servicemember.

What steps should I take to apply?

Contact a member of your recovery team (to include the primary care manager, Nurse Case Manager, Recovery Care Coordinator, Non-Medical Case Manager, AW2 Advocate, or unit leadership) for the SCAADL application and guidance.

Your DOD or VA physician will complete a DD Form 2948. If your attending physician is not affiliated with DOD or VA, arrangements can be made to have a DOD or VA physician review your case and complete the certification. Your application (DD Form 2948) will be forwarded, via your chain of command, to the Warrior Transition Command (WTC) for processing and payment.

Below you will find the documents needed to apply for SCAADL:

How are amounts determined?

SCAADL payment amounts are based upon the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics wage rate for home health aides and are adjusted by:

  • The geographic area of residence/recovery
  • A three-tier system based on the complexity of care, as determined by a DOD or VA physician, and uses a clinical evaluation and score. The member is rated as follows:

High Tier - Servicemember who scores 21 or higher will be presumed to need a full- time caregiver who provides 40 hours of personal care services per week.

Medium Tier - Servicemember who scores 13-20 will be presumed to require 25 hours per week of caregiver assistance.

Low Tier - Servicemember who scores 1-12 will be presumed to require 10 hours of caregiver assistance per week.

How long can a servicemember receive SCAADL?

SCAADL is paid to a servicemember until he/she is separated from the service or until they no longer require assistance with activities of daily living. SCAADL will end the earliest of:

  • 90 days after separation from the service
  • Receipt of compensation under the VA program
  • Servicemember's recovery; or
  • Last day of the month during which the servicemember dies

If the servicemember is transitioning out of the military, notify the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of impending transition to ensure application procedures of the VA's monthly caregiver stipend are initiated prior to separation from service.

Is SCAADL automatic?

No, the servicemember or guardian must apply, and a DOD or VA physician certifies eligibility. A servicemember should contact a member of his or her recovery team (to include the Primary Care Manager, Nurse Case Manager, Recovery Care Coordinator, Non- Medical Case Manager, or unit leadership) for the SCAADL application form and guidance.

What if I disagree with my SCAADL determination?

There is a section on the DD Form 2948 that provides an opportunity to indicate you wish to appeal. Appeals must be submitted to the Commanding General, Warrior Transition Command. All medical reviews and opinions must be included. After the command surgeon conducts a thorough review and develops a medical advisory opinion; the commanding commander will review the package and determine SCAADL entitlement.

Who receives the SCAADL payment?

SCAADL is paid directly to the servicemember, not the servicemember's designated caregiver. It is up to the servicemember to ensure the compensation flows accordingly.

Is SCAADL tax-exempt?

No, SCAADL is taxable compensation.

Are there any instances where my SCAADL could change?

Yes, SCAADL amounts are based on geographic location AND care needs. Amounts may change if the servicemember moves or his/her care needs change.

Also, SCAADL requires recertification every 180 days (or when medical or geographic conditions change) to ensure payment accuracy.

What if my status changes from outpatient to inpatient?

As long as the servicemember is in outpatient status for the majority of the month (more than 15 days) he / she will still be eligible for SCAADL.

Can I designate a military member as my primary caregiver?

No, a military member cannot be designated as a primary caregiver for purposes of SCAADL.

I'm transitioning out of the service. Will I still receive SCAADL as a Veteran?

While SCAADL is intended for servicemembers, you may receive it up to 90 days after separation from the service. While out-processing, you need to complete the application for the VA Caregiver Stipend.

The servicemember should work with their recovery team to begin the transition process. The servicemember may realize a change in compensation when transitioning to VA Caregiver Stipend.

I was authorized a Non-Medical Attendant (NMA). Does that mean I will automatically qualify for SCAADL?

No, servicemembers who have been authorized an NMA should not assume entitlement to SCAADL. NMAs are authorized by physicians and designated by the servicemember. However, there is no stringent clinical review applied to this designation as there is with SCAADL.