Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is a VA benefit that allows veterans to be compensated at the 100 percent disability rate when their service-connected disabilities prevent them from working—even if their combined disability rating is less than 100 percent. Because TDIU focuses on a veteran’s ability to function in a work setting, these claims often require detailed medical and vocational evidence.
Total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU or IU) is a benefit that may be awarded to veterans with service-connected disabilities that prevent them from working. Veterans who are granted TDIU are compensated at the 100% disability rate. Generally, to qualify for TDIU, you must be unable to work as a result of your service-connected disabilities. VA will also consider your combined ratings. When assessing TDIU, applicable regulations direct VA to consider whether a veteran has a single disability rated at 60%, or has a combined rating of 70% with a single disability rated at 40%. However, you may still qualify for TDIU if you are not working, and if your disability rating(s) do not meet these rating criteria. A request for TDIU does not need to be filed as a standalone claim for benefits. Instead, it can be raised as part of a request for review of an assigned rating for a service-connected disability, potentially ensuring an earlier effective date if eventually granted.
VA recognizes two primary paths to TDIU:
A veteran may qualify if they have:
For purposes of meeting the “single disability” requirement, VA may combine certain conditions and treat them as one disability, including:
Disabilities affecting a single body system (e.g., orthopedic conditions)
Disabilities resulting from a common etiology or single incident
Disabilities affecting one or both upper or lower extremities
Multiple injuries incurred in action
Multiple disabilities incurred as a prisoner of war (POW)
Even if a veteran does not meet the percentage thresholds above, VA may still grant TDIU if the evidence shows the veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.
TDIU provides the full financial benefit of a 100% rating, which can make a major difference in a veteran’s quality of life.
Working with a VA-accredited representative can help ensure all the right forms and evidence, especially VA Form 21-8940, are submitted correctly.
In benefits recovered for our clients
States Served + Guam, & Puerto Rico
Years Of Combined Experience
Greene & Marusak focuses on representing veterans and their family members for VA Service-Connected Disability Benefits.
