By Cynthia Gomez

Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability—commonly known as TDIU—is one of the most powerful VA benefits available to veterans who can no longer work due to their service-connected disabilities. Even if a veteran’s combined disability rating is below 100%, TDIU ensures they are compensated at the 100% rate, providing financial security and access to essential services.

This guide explains eligibility, evidence, filing steps, and includes internal links to related veteran benefit topics.

⭐ What Is TDIU?

TDIU allows veterans who cannot maintain substantial gainful employment to receive compensation at the 100% disability level, even when their combined rating mathematically falls short.

Learn more:

🔗 Benefits for 100% Disabled Veterans

🔗 Rating Increases (90% to 100%)

🎖️ Eligibility Requirements for TDIU

There are two ways to qualify: Schedular TDIU and Extraschedular TDIU.

1. Schedular TDIU Eligibility

You qualify if:

You have one condition rated 60% or higher, OR
You have multiple conditions, with one rated 40% or higher, AND
Your combined rating is 70% or higher

Examples of conditions commonly used to meet these thresholds:

🔗 Mental Health Claims (PTSD, Depression, Anxiety)

🔗 Chronic Pain / Back Pain

🔗 Secondary Service Connection

2. Extraschedular TDIU

If you don’t meet the percentage requirements but your service-connected disabilities still prevent employment, the VA may grant extraschedular TDIU.

This route requires a strong evidence package and often an expert opinion.

💼 What the VA Looks At

To decide TDIU, the VA evaluates:

Ability to perform work tasks
Frequency of pain flare-ups
Emotional/mental limitations
Whether conditions prevent reliable attendance
Physical restrictions (lifting, standing, walking, bending)

The VA cannot consider:

Age
Non-service-connected disabilities

🧾 Evidence That Helps Win TDIU

Veterans who win TDIU typically submit evidence such as:

✔ Independent Medical Opinion (IMO)

✔ Vocational Expert Report

✔ DBQs (Disability Benefits Questionnaires)

✔ Mental Health Evaluations

✔ Employer statements about reduced performance or termination

✔ Proof of Social Security Disability (SSDI)

✔ Lay statements describing daily limitations

Related resource:

🔗 Secondary Service Connection Guide

📝 How to File for TDIU

You must submit:

✔ VA Form 21-8940

(Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability)

✔ VA Form 21-4192

(Request for Employment Information from former employer)

Missing or incomplete forms are the #1 cause of TDIU delays.

🔍 Conditions Commonly Leading to TDIU

Physical Conditions

Chronic back pain
Radiculopathy
Migraines
TBI residuals
Knee/hip conditions
Respiratory issues

Learn more:

🔗 Chronic Pain & Back Pain Article

Mental Health Conditions

PTSD
Major Depression
Anxiety Disorders
Panic Disorders
Severe occupational/social impairment

❗ Common TDIU Misconceptions

❌ “You must be bedridden.”

No—you simply must be unable to maintain employment.

❌ “You can’t work at all.”

You may still work marginal jobs, such as:

Part-time under the poverty threshold
Sheltered employment
Self-paced or home-based work

❌ “TDIU automatically becomes permanent.”

Not always—you may need to apply for Permanent & Total status.

⭐ TDIU vs. 100% Schedular Rating

Feature	TDIU	100% Schedular
Compensation	Same	Same
Work Limitations	Yes	No
Approval Difficulty	Moderate	High
Requirements	Employment impact	Rating math