TDIU Guide: Getting 100% Pay When You Can’t Work (Even if You aren’t 100% Rated)

The Math vs. The Reality

Sometimes, VA math doesn’t reflect reality. You might be rated at 70% or 80%, but your conditions make it impossible to keep a steady job.

This is where Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) comes in.

What is TDIU?

TDIU allows the VA to pay you at the 100% rate because your disabilities prevent “substantially gainful employment.”

  • Key Requirement: You generally need one disability rated at 60%, OR a combined rating of 70% (with one at 40%).
  • The Evidence: You need to prove that your service-connected conditions (not age or non-service injuries) are what stop you from working.

Is TDIU Permanent?

It can be. And yes, it provides the same medical and dental benefits as a standard 100% rating.

If you are struggling to work, Woobie provides medical evaluations and nexus letters based solely on clinical judgment to document the symptoms, diagnoses, and functional limitations of your service-connected conditions. Our fees are for medical services only and are not contingent on the outcome of a claim. Woobie does not provide assistance with claim preparation, filing, or strategy, ensuring our services comply fully with SB 694.





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