What Is TDIU?

Posted by Gregory M. Rada | October 31, 2020 | Firm News

If you are applying for disability benefits from the Veterans Administration (VA), you may have heard of  TDIU or IU. TDIU, also called IU, stands for a Total Disability Rating based on Individual Unemployability, which means the VA will pay you at the 100 percent payment rate if your service-connected disabilities prevent you from keeping steady employment and earning a living.

VA refers to these claims as TDIU or IU claims. Some people believe a veteran can only receive a TDIU rating if he or she meets the rating requirements set forth by VA for schedular TDIU, however, a veteran can still receive TDIU via an extraschedular rating even if they don’t meet those rating requirements. In other words, if service-connected conditions prevent employment, a veteran can receive TDIU regardless of their individual disability ratings.

What If I Am Working?

A veteran can receive TDIU even if they are still working, provided their employment is determined to be marginal or performed in a sheltered work environment. If you are earning less than the Federal Poverty Level for a single person, approximately $1,000 a month, such employment would be considered marginal and you would be eligible for TDIU. Likewise, if you work in a sheltered environment, such as a family business or self-employment where you can’t be fired, you would be eligible for a TDIU.

What Is The TDIU Benefit Amount?

A veteran who is unable to work because of a service-related condition will receive VA benefits at the 100 percent payment rate, which is in excess of $3,000 a month. Additional money can be received if the veteran has a spouse, dependent children, or dependent parents.

To learn more about TDIU and to find out if you may be eligible, speak with VA disability attorney Gregory M. Rada.