Common Misconceptions About TDIU
Posted by Gregory M. Rada | May 08, 2025 | Firm News
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) can provide life-changing benefits to veterans who can’t maintain steady work because of their service-connected conditions. But despite how important this benefit is, there’s still a lot of confusion around who qualifies and what receiving it really means. Our VA TDIU lawyer addresses some of the most common misconceptions we hear from veterans about TDIU and the facts that clear them up.
“TDIU Means You Can’t Work For Any Reason”
One of the biggest misunderstandings about TDIU is that it applies to anyone who can’t work, regardless of the cause. That’s not true. To qualify for TDIU, you must be unable to maintain substantially gainful employment specifically because of your service-connected disabilities.
The VA doesn’t consider non-service-connected conditions like age, injuries that happened after service, or general economic hardships. Your unemployment must be directly tied to conditions the VA has already linked to your time in the military.
“You Have To Be Bedridden To Get TDIU”
Another false assumption is that only veterans who are completely incapacitated can qualify for TDIU. While some veterans receiving TDIU do have severe physical or mental limitations, the law doesn’t require you to be bedridden, hospitalized, or unable to leave your home.
TDIU is based on your ability to work consistently, not your ability to function entirely. Many veterans who receive TDIU are still able to drive, shop, and take care of themselves. But if your service-connected condition prevents you from holding down a full-time job, you may still qualify, even if you’re otherwise independent.
“You Can’t Work At All On TDIU”
This is where things get a little more confusing. TDIU is based on whether you can perform substantially gainful employment—meaning a job that pays above the federal poverty line. However, veterans receiving TDIU can still engage in part-time, “marginal” employment, as long as the work is not considered substantially gainful.
This can include low-wage jobs, part-time work with special accommodations, or employment in a family business where you’re paid below market value. The VA may still grant or continue TDIU in these cases, but it’s important to be transparent about the nature of the work. If you’re unsure, talk to our VA-accredited attorney before starting a job.
“Volunteer Work Will Disqualify You From TDIU”
Many veterans worry that doing any kind of volunteer work—even something occasional or low-key—will cause them to lose their TDIU benefits. But volunteer work doesn’t automatically disqualify you. What matters is whether the activity reflects an ability to perform competitive, full-time employment.
For example, if you volunteer for a few hours a week at a church or food bank, the VA is unlikely to view that as a sign you’re employable. However, if the volunteer work closely resembles a job, especially one that requires physical or mental demands similar to paid employment, the VA might question your continued eligibility. It’s a gray area, and worth discussing with our legal professional before committing to any regular schedule.
“You Can’t Apply For Jobs If You’re On TDIU”
Applying for jobs while on TDIU won’t automatically trigger a loss of benefits, but it could raise questions. The VA may view a job application as evidence that you believe you’re capable of working. If you’re actively searching for full-time employment, it could be inconsistent with a claim that your service-connected disabilities prevent you from working.
That doesn’t mean you’re trapped. Life changes, and some veterans do recover enough to return to the workforce. If that happens, you can contact the VA to adjust or discontinue your TDIU benefits when the time is right.
Get Answers To Your Questions About TDIU Eligibility
TDIU can make a big difference for veterans who can’t maintain steady employment due to service-connected conditions, but misinformation often keeps people from applying. At the law offices of Gregory M. Rada, Attorney at Law, we help veterans sort through the confusion and present strong, honest claims that reflect your true limitations. Attorney Greg is a veteran, for veterans and helps service members with disability claims across the nation. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, schedule a free consultation with Attorney Greg Rada and let’s talk it through. Call now to get started.
