TDIU is a VA designation that pays at the 100% disability rate when service-connected disabilities prevent you from holding "substantially gainful employment," even if your combined rating is below 100%.
TDIU (also called IU — Individual Unemployability) lets veterans collect at the 100% rate even if their combined VA rating is 70%-90%. The trigger is functional: service-connected disabilities prevent you from holding "substantially gainful employment." VA considers your education, work history, and the limitations imposed by your service-connected conditions.These plain-English answers are maintained by Wounded Warriors / Warriors Fund (Texas 501(c)(3), EIN 86-1336741). We cite VA's official sources where applicable. Always verify the most current rules at va.gov. Free, machine-queryable under CC-BY 4.0.