What Is TDIU?
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) allows a veteran to be paid at the 100% disability rate, even if their VA disability rating is below 100%, if they can’t work due to service-connected conditions.
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) allows a veteran to be paid at the 100% disability rate, even if their VA disability rating is below 100%, if they can’t work due to service-connected conditions.
It recognizes that some veterans are unemployable not because of the rating percentages, but because their unique condition(s) make working impossible.
Eligibility Requirements (Schedular TDIU)
To qualify under the VA’s standard (“schedular”) rules:
- One service-connected disability rated 60% or more, OR
- Two or more service-connected disabilities, with:
- One disability rated at least 40%, AND
- A combined rating of 70% or more
Plus: The veteran must be unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to those disabilities.
Extraschedular TDIU
If a veteran doesn’t meet the ratings thresholds, they can still apply for extraschedular TDIU — they must prove that their disabilities alone prevent them from working, and the VA can forward the case to the Director of Compensation Services for a special review.
“Substantially Gainful Employment” Defined
- Means full-time work earning above the federal poverty level (~$15,000/year).
- Excludes marginal employment, like:
- Sheltered work environments
- Part-time jobs with accommodations
- Family jobs where the employer overlooks limitations
How Veterans Prove They Can’t Work
Veterans need to submit strong evidence to back their claim, including:
- VA Form 21-8940: Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability
- Medical records that show how disabilities impact physical or mental ability to work
- Vocational evaluations from experts (especially useful in tough cases)
- Lay statements from the veteran, family, or former employers
- Social Security Disability (SSDI) decisions, if relevant
The Role of a Vocational Expert
A vocational expert can:
- Analyze the veteran’s education, work history, and medical limitations
- Compare their skills to current job demands
- Write a vocational opinion explaining why the veteran is unemployable
This can greatly strengthen a TDIU claim, especially in borderline cases.
Why TDIU Is Important
- Many veterans are unable to work full-time, even with lower-rated disabilities
- TDIU provides them with the financial support equivalent to a 100% disability rating
- It can also offer healthcare benefits and other support programs
Get the Support You Deserve
If you’re a veteran struggling with your VA disability claim, don’t go through it alone. TDIU Expert is here to fight for your rights and help you secure the benefits you deserve.
