Many veterans leave the military with health conditions that prevent them from maintaining gainful employment. If that sounds like you, you may be eligible for individual unemployability benefits (TDIU).
What is TDIU?
TDIU stands for total disability by individual unemployability. For veterans rated at less than 100 percent disabled, that means you receive monthly compensation as if you were rated 100 percent disabled because you are unable to work due to service-connected health conditions. Does that make sense?
For example, a veteran who is rated at 60 percent for post traumatic stress disorder may still be eligible for compensation at the 100 percent rate, if he or she is not able to work.
Eligibility for TDIU
There are a few requirements you must meet to be considered eligible for TDIU.
- You must be a veteran.
- You must have service-connected disabilities.
- You must not have been discharged dishonorably.
- You must have a service-connected disability rated at 60 percent or higher, OR, if you have multiple disabilities, you must have a combined rating of 70 percent or higher, with at least one condition rated at 40 percent or higher.
- You must be unable to maintain substantially gainful employment. Odd jobs don’t count.
When to hire a lawyer
You can win TDIU benefits without hiring a lawyer. However, many veterans don’t want to take the chance of getting denied. There are many reasons you may not win your claim without representation. We make sure you have the evidence needed to prove your condition is service-connected and severe enough to prevent you from working.
- We work with doctors and vocational experts to ensure your condition and work history are properly documented.
- We file all of your paperwork correctly and efficiently, including appeals and legal briefs.
- We research veterans case law and identify the legal precedents that can support your case.
Need help now?
If you think you may qualify for TDIU, we’d be happy to assist you with your claim. Woods & Woods’ VA certified attorneys have been serving veterans since 1985, and we’ve helped thousands win individual unemployability benefits.
We always offer free consultations. There’s no cost to find out if you have a case, and you won’t pay us a penny unless we win your claim.
