TDIU — Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability
A VA benefit that allows a veteran to be compensated at the 100% disability rate even if their combined disability rating is less than 100%.
Official source: va.gov
TDIU stands for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability. It's a VA benefit that pays you at the 100% disability rate — even if your official combined disability rating is less than 100% — as long as your service-connected conditions make it impossible for you to hold a steady job.
**The basic eligibility requirements:** - You have one service-connected condition rated at **60% or higher**, OR - You have multiple service-connected conditions that combine to **70% or more**, with at least one of those rated at 40% or higher
**If you don't meet those percentages but still can't work:** There's a path called extraschedular TDIU — which means outside the normal rating schedule. If your conditions are so uniquely severe that they prevent employment even though the percentages don't technically add up, you can still apply. This path requires more evidence and is less common, but it exists.
**What TDIU does and doesn't do:** - TDIU raises your monthly payment to the 100% level ($3,938.58/month in 2026 for a veteran alone) - It does NOT change your official disability rating percentage on your record - If your rating eventually reaches 100% on its own, TDIU is no longer needed
**Work and TDIU:** If you earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold from work — $1,690/month in 2026 — the VA may question whether TDIU is still appropriate. Marginal or protected work (like a family business job created specifically for you) is treated differently than competitive employment.
Apply for TDIU using VA Form 21-8940. A VSO or VA-accredited attorney can help you build the strongest possible case.
In real life
- A veteran who cannot keep a steady job due to their service-connected disabilities may get TDIU.
- Someone with a lower disability rating might still get paid at the 100% rate if their injuries stop them from working.
- A person whose health issues from their military service make it too hard to find and keep work can apply for TDIU.
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Frequently asked questions about TDIU
What is Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)?+
A VA benefit that allows a veteran to be compensated at the 100% disability rate even if their combined disability rating is less than 100%, when their service-connected disabilities prevent them from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. Eligibility: typically one disability rated at 60%+ OR two disabilities combined to 70%+ (with one at 40%+).
Who qualifies for TDIU?+
Extraschedular TDIU is available for veterans who don't meet the percentage thresholds but are still unemployable.
How do I apply for TDIU?+
Apply at va.gov (search for the program by name) or work with a free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through your state VA office.
Where can I get help?+
Use BenefitKarma's free Benefit Eligibility Screener to see what VA benefits you may have missed, or talk with a free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through your state VA office.
Source: va.gov