What is TDIU and Do I Qualify?

What is TDIU?

Total Disability Based Upon Individual Unemployability, or TDIU, is an award for veterans who are unable to work or have great difficulty working because of their service-connected disabilities. If a veteran is granted TDIU, VA pays them at the 100% disability rate.

Do I Qualify?

In order to qualify for TDIU, the following conditions must be met:

1. You must have at least one service-connected disability rated at least 60%, or a combined rating of at least 70% for multiple service-connected disabilities, with at least one of those disabilities rated at 40% or more.
2. There must be evidence that your service-connected conditions have impacted your ability to successfully work. This typically means that the veteran is unemployed.

What if I’m Working?

Unlike SSSDI, an employed veteran may still be eligible for TDIU in limited circumstances. This includes a veteran earning below the federal poverty level or working in a sheltered work environment (i.e. employers who provide extra accommodations to veterans).

To get started, a veteran must submit a claim for TDIU on a special form. The attorneys at Rob Levine & Associates know how to cut through VA’s red tape and get veterans the TDIU awards they deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation!