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Introduction: A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU or IU) is an extremely valuable benefit provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans whose service-connected disabilities render them unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment. The effective date of TDIU determines the amount of back pay that a veteran receives, and there […]

Individual Unemployability (IU) is a benefit offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans who are unable to work due to a service-connected disability. This benefit pays a veteran at the 100% payment rate even though their combined rating is less than 100%, in recognition that their service-connected disabilities make them unemployable. In […]

The PACT Act has been signed into law and individuals (including veterans or anyone else who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 for at least 30 days) can now bring lawsuits against the United States government for harm caused by exposure to toxic drinking water. Who Can Bring a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit […]

Veterans with service-connected disabilities that make them unable to work qualify for a “total disability rating based on individual unemployability” (TDIU or IU) benefits. Qualifying disabilities include physical injuries and mental conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here is a brief guide about how severe PTSD symptoms might qualify you for TDIU. The Effects of […]

Congress this week passed the PACT Act, which might be the most significant piece of VA benefits legislation in years. In short, the PACT Act makes it so that the VA presumes certain cancers and respiratory conditions are considered automatically related to service for Gulf War and post-9/11 veterans. The PACT Act also expands the […]

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A claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU or IU) hinges on whether a service-connected disability or disabilities render a veteran unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. What does substantially gainful employment mean? Understanding Substantially Gainful Employment 38 C.F.R. § 4.16 does not define the term substantially gainful employment, […]

If you are the surviving spouse, surviving child, or surviving parent (as defined by the VA) of a veteran who died due to a service-connected injury or illness, you may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits. You may also qualify if the veteran was totally disabled (100% rating or individual unemployability) for the […]

The difference between a TDIU and a 100% schedular combined rating can be confusing. Here is a breakdown of each rating and how they work. A Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (abbreviated as TDIU or IU) is where the VA pays a veteran at the […]

Service members may suffer from a variety of mental health problems following their time in the military. Veterans might experience mental illnesses such as PTSD, anxiety, anger and irritability, panic attacks, depression, and memory loss, which can affect the daily life and well-being of a veteran. While physical illnesses are generally easy to evaluate, symptoms […]