Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)

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TDIU is granted when service-connected disabilities alone make it impossible for a veteran to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

Generally, veterans qualify when:

• One disability is rated at 60% or higher
or
• A combined rating of 70% or more with one disability at least 40%

However, even veterans who do not meet these percentage thresholds may still qualify under special provisions when the evidence shows unemployability.

TDIU pays at the same monthly rate as a 100% disability evaluation.

Veterans are routinely denied TDIU for improper reasons, including:

• VA focusing only on current employment status instead of ability to maintain gainful work
• Ignoring medical opinions showing work limitations
• Overlooking vocational evidence
• Treating marginal or sheltered employment as proof of employability
• Failing to infer TDIU when evidence raises the issue in an increased rating claim
• Using inadequate VA examinations

These mistakes are correctable on appeal with proper legal and evidentiary strategy.

You may be eligible if:

• You stopped working due to service-connected conditions
• You miss significant time from work because of symptoms
• You were forced into lower-paying or protected work
• Your disabilities limit concentration, physical activity, attendance, or reliability
• VA examiners note occupational impairment
• Doctors restrict work activity

Many veterans qualify without realizing it.

Winning TDIU often depends on:

• Strategic medical opinions addressing functional impact
• Vocational expert evidence
• Correct application of VA regulations
• Challenging inadequate exams
• Proving unemployability over time for earlier effective dates

When properly built, TDIU claims frequently result in:

✔ 100% compensation
✔ Significant retroactive back pay
✔ Stronger future survivor benefit protection

We don’t simply file forms. We:

• Identify missed TDIU issues in existing claims
• Develop medical and vocational evidence correctly
• Challenge improper VA denials
• Pursue earlier effective dates when benefits were owed sooner
• Force the VA to apply the law properly

Our focus is turning wrongful denials and overlooked evidence into granted benefits.

If your service-connected conditions have limited or ended your ability to work, you may be entitled to 100% compensation through TDIU.

A claim review can uncover:

• Wrongful denials
• Missed TDIU entitlement
• Earlier effective date opportunities
• Evidence the VA failed to consider