Can't Work Due to Service-Connected Disabilities? You May Qualify for TDIU
Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) pays veterans at the 100% disability rate — even without a 100% rating. Find out if you qualify.
What Is TDIU?
Compensation at the 100% rate — without a 100% rating
TDIU allows veterans who can't maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities to receive compensation at the 100% rate — even if their combined VA rating is lower.
Schedular TDIU applies when you meet the standard rating thresholds. Extraschedular TDIU applies when your unique situation prevents work even if you don't meet those thresholds.
Schedular Eligibility Thresholds
- One disability rated at 60% or higher, OR
- Combined rating of 70%+ with at least one disability at 40% or higher
- Unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to those disabilities
Extraschedular TDIU may still apply if you don't meet these thresholds.
Quick Eligibility Check
Do you qualify for TDIU?
Check any of the boxes that apply to your situation.
- I have one service-connected disability rated 60% or higher
- I have a combined rating of 70%+ with at least one disability at 40%+
- I am unable to maintain substantially gainful employment
- My service-connected disabilities prevent me from working
If you checked any of these, you may qualify. Let's talk.
How Brightview Helps
A 3-step path to TDIU
- 1
Free Eligibility Review
We assess your current ratings, employment situation, and the disabilities involved.
- 2
Evidence Building
We help document how your disabilities prevent employment — including medical opinions and nexus letters.
- 3
Claim Submission
We guide your TDIU application through the VA process from start to decision.
TDIU vs. 100% Schedular
Same compensation. Same benefits.
TDIU exists because combined disabilities can prevent work even without a single 100% rating. The pay and benefits are the same.
TDIU
- ✓Paid at the 100% monthly rate
- ✓Same dependent benefits (SMC, DEA, CHAMPVA-eligible spouse/children)
- ✓Full VA healthcare access
- ✓Awarded when disabilities prevent gainful employment
100% Schedular
- ✓Paid at the 100% monthly rate
- ✓Same dependent benefits
- ✓Full VA healthcare access
- ✓Awarded based on combined disability rating reaching 100%
Many veterans qualify for TDIU long before they ever reach a 100% schedular rating.
Built On Real Experience
Veterans helping veterans get to 100%.
TDIU Approvals
Veterans we've helped reach the 100% rate
"I was rated 70% but couldn't hold a job. Brightview built the unemployability evidence the VA needed."
"Approved for TDIU in five months. The income difference changed my family's life."
"They explained schedular vs. extraschedular in plain English and got me approved."
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Check Your TDIU Eligibility
Share a few details and we'll review your situation — free and confidential.