TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability) lets the VA pay you at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is below 100%, when you cannot maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.

What are the rating thresholds for Schedular TDIU?

You need either: (1) one disability rated at 60% or more, OR (2) a combined rating of 70%+ with at least one disability rated 40% or more.

What is Extraschedular TDIU?

If you don't meet the schedular thresholds but still cannot work due to service-connected conditions, you can apply for Extraschedular TDIU. It requires VA referral to the Director of Compensation Service for additional review.

TDIU · Eligibility Check

TDIU Eligibility Checker

Individual Unemployability pays at the 100% rate ($3,938.58/mo in 2026), even if your combined rating is lower. See if you qualify in 30 seconds.

Your ratings

Combined VA rating

Highest single disability

Schedular TDIU needs one disability at 60%+, OR combined 70%+ with one at 40%+.

Employment

Are you working?

"Marginal employment" (e.g., a sheltered workshop or family business under poverty) is allowed under TDIU.

What is TDIU?

Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) lets the VA pay you at the 100% rate ($3,938.58/mo in 2026) even when your combined rating is below 100%, IF you cannot maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities. Not sure what your combined rating is? Calculate your combined rating first to see where you stand before checking TDIU.

There are two paths:

Schedular TDIU, meets the rating thresholds (one at 60%+ OR combined 70%+ with one at 40%+).
Extraschedular TDIU, for vets who don't meet the rating thresholds but still can't work. Requires VA referral.

Common questions

What's "substantially gainful employment"?

Roughly: full-time work above the federal poverty line (about $15,060/yr for one person in 2026). Marginal or "sheltered" employment doesn't count, you can still qualify.

Can I get back pay for TDIU?

Yes. If approved, TDIU is retroactive to your effective date. Estimate TDIU back pay at the 100% rate to see how much the VA may owe you from your effective date forward.

Does TDIU lead to P&T?

It can. If the VA grants TDIU and finds your conditions are permanent (won't improve), you can be granted Permanent & Total status. Use our P&T checker.

What conditions most commonly support TDIU?

Mental health conditions, particularly PTSD, are among the most common TDIU qualifying conditions because they can severely limit employment. Musculoskeletal conditions, TBI, and severe chronic pain are also frequent bases. Any service-connected condition that prevents substantially gainful employment counts.

TDIU Eligibility Checker

What is TDIU?

Common questions

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