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Veteran Q&A

What is TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?

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.

Detail

  • Eligibility: at least one disability rated 60% OR combined rating 70%+ with at least one disability rated 40%.
  • Apply on VA Form 21-8940 (Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability).
  • Pay rate: same as the 100% schedular rate ($3,938.58/month for a veteran alone; 2026 rates, effective Dec 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA); more with dependents).
  • You CAN work on TDIU if the work is "marginal employment" — generally, earned income below the federal poverty threshold for one person.
  • Marginal employment (sheltered workshops, family business with reduced demands) does not disqualify you.
  • TDIU + P&T (permanent and total) status unlocks CHAMPVA, DEA Chapter 35, and a permanent rating that won't be re-examined.
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net.

Related pages

TDIU — full glossary entryIU (Individual Unemployability)P&T — Permanent & Total disability rating100% VA disability pay rateHow VA ratings combine (38 CFR 4.25)

Other veteran questions

How do I file a VA disability claim?File VA Form 21-526EZ — Application for Disability Compensation.How long does a VA disability claim take?4-6 months on average for an initial decision; longer for complex or appealed claims.What is a DD-214?A DD-214 is the federal Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty issued to every U.S. servicemember leaving active service.Are VA disability payments taxed?No. VA disability compensation is fully tax-free under federal law (38 USC §5301).Is asthma a PACT Act presumptive condition?Yes. Asthma diagnosed after service is a PACT Act burn-pit presumptive for post-9/11 veterans who served in qualifying locations.Is hypertension a PACT Act presumptive condition?Yes — hypertension was added to the Agent Orange presumptive list under the 2024 PACT Act expansion.

About these answers

These plain-English answers are maintained by Wounded Warriors (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.