Check whether TDIU may apply to your situation

TDIU may pay at the 100% compensation rate when a veteran’s service-connected conditions prevent them from holding substantially gainful employment, even when the combined schedular rating is below 100%. It is governed by [src] and is one of the most significant benefits many eligible veterans never apply for.

What TDIU is

TDIU is not a disability rating. It is an administrative determination that the veteran’s service-connected conditions, as rated, are severe enough in combination with the veteran’s work history and education to prevent substantially gainful employment. A veteran awarded TDIU is paid at the 100% rate for as long as the unemployability condition continues. TDIU can be awarded permanently (Permanent and Total) or as a status subject to later review.

The schedular path (§ 4.16(a))

A veteran meets the schedular threshold when they have either:

• One service-connected disability rated at 60% or more, OR
• Two or more service-connected disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or more, where at least one disability is rated 40% or higher.

For the combined 70% threshold, certain disabilities are treated as one: disabilities affecting a single body system, or disabilities resulting from common etiology (for example, a common in-service event). Meeting the percentage threshold does not automatically grant TDIU. The veteran must also show inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation because of the service-connected disabilities.

The extra-schedular path (§ 4.16(b))

When a veteran does not meet the schedular percentages but the evidence shows unemployability because of service-connected conditions, the rating board can refer the case to the Director of Compensation Service for extra-schedular consideration. This path is narrower and requires strong medical and vocational evidence. A claim for TDIU that does not meet the schedular threshold should be considered under § 4.16(b) automatically if the evidence supports it.

What “substantially gainful” means

Substantially gainful employment is generally employment producing earnings above the federal poverty threshold for one person, as set annually by the U.S. Census Bureau. Employment below that threshold, or protected employment (a sheltered workshop, a family business with special accommodations), is considered “marginal” and does not disqualify a veteran from TDIU. Age is not a factor under [src]: a veteran cannot be denied TDIU solely because of retirement age.

What this screener is (and what it isn’t)

The screener below checks the § 4.16(a) schedular thresholds and flags common factors (ratings, recent work history, education) that a Veterans Service Officer would consider before filing. It does not replace VA Form 21-8940 (the formal TDIU application), it does not analyze § 4.16(b) extra-schedular eligibility, and it cannot guarantee outcomes. If the tool suggests you may be eligible, a VSO or CVSO can review your Social Security earnings record, treatment history, and employer statements and file the claim at no cost. A TDIU claim usually runs alongside, not instead of, the underlying rating claims.

See current VA disability compensation rates → TDIU is paid at the 100% rate.