What Does Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) Mean?

You probably know that VA disability ratings are numerical, and you may even know that they are assigned in 10% increments. So, it may not be clear how the designation of totally disabled due to individual unemployability (TDIU) works alongside that percentage-based rating system.

If a veteran receives a TDIU classification, the veteran receives all of the same benefits as they would with a 100 VA disability rating.

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Who Qualifies for a TDIU Designation?

TDIU is for veterans who are unable to earn a living because of their service connected disabilities. But qualifying isn’t quite as straightforward as it sounds. First, being “unemployable” doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t work at all. Instead, it means being unable to engage in substantial gainful activity. Sporadic ability to work, such as doing odd jobs, won’t disqualify you.

Note, though, that the inability to work must be due to service-connected and secondary-connected conditions. If you are unable to work due to a mix of service-connected conditions and non-connected conditions, you may not qualify for TDIU.

A TDIU classification also requires a minimum disability rating, though it’s significantly lower than a 100 VA disability rating. To qualify, you will typically need either:

A 60% or higher disability rating for a single condition, or
A 70% or higher combined disability rating, with at least one condition rated at least 40%

Occasionally, a veteran who doesn’t meet the rating requirements may qualify for an extraschedular TDIU rating. An experienced VA disability benefits advocate can explain when and how that may be possible.

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100 VA Disability Benefits

The most obvious benefit of receiving a TDIU classification is the monthly monetary benefit. For example, in 2025, a veteran with a 60% disability rating will receive a base monthly benefit of $1,395.93. If that same veteran receives a TDIU designation, the monthly benefit jumps to $3,831.30.

If the 100% rating or TDIU rating is permanent, additional benefits may be available, such as educational and healthcare benefits for the veteran’s dependents.

Get the Help You Need with a TDIU Claim

Working with an experienced VA disability benefits advocate is the best way to ensure that you understand exactly what is required to submit the strongest possible claim or appeal. To learn more about how Disabled Vets can help you pursue the maximum benefits available, call us today at 888-373-4733 or fill out our contact form here.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form