Many veterans have questions about “Individual Unemployability”. Individual Unemployability is often known as TDIU or IU. TDIU provides a method for veterans to get a 100 percent rating by proving that their service-connected disabilities make them “unemployable”.
TDIU is one of the most confusing areas of VA disability benefits. Many veterans have questions about it. A lot of veterans wonder if they are even eligible to apply.
One of the questions that I get routinely is “Is it too late for me to file a claim for TDIU?” Often, a veteran has been out of work for some time and has not yet filed a claim. They may have been told by someone that it may be too late for them to file for TDIU.
The answer to this question is no. It is not too late to file for TDIU. It does not matter if you have been out of work months or even years.
I do not need to know how long you have been out of work to answer that questions because there is no time limit on an application for TDIU. It is similar to the rules for all other sorts of VA disability compensation benefits. There’s no time limit or a deadline to begin that process.
Even if it’s been months or years, go ahead and look into this, see if it’s something that you think you’re eligible. I have talked to veterans who have been out of work over ten years before applying for TDIU benefits.
Of course, you are almost always better to apply sooner rather than later. The reason why is that your application for the increased rating through TDIU is going to start your potential eligibility for benefits. So, applying sooner means that you can receive all the benefits you should if you successfully prove your entitlement to TDIU benefits and the 100% rating.
Do I automatically qualify for TDIU if I receive a 70% VA rating?
There are two alternative criteria that are like threshold barriers to being considered for TDIU. One of those is at least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or higher. The other is multiple service-connected disabilities that combine to a 70% overall VA rating.
I often get asked whether a veteran automatically qualifies for TDIU benefits with a 70% overall rating? Unfortunately, the answer to that question is no.
The single disability at 60% or the overall rating at 70% is just a just the threshold schedular criteria for consideration of TDIU benefits. Reaching these criteria does not automatically qualify you for a TDIU rating. It just makes you eligible to apply for one.
Now, a veteran with multiple disabilities that add up to a 70% VA rating will often have difficulty working. But, VA will not automatically grant you these benefits. By meeting these criteria, you have only gotten over the first hump.
You still have to show that you are unemployable due to those service-connection conditions. That is when the real work begins on your claim to prove TDIU.
Does a 100% schedular VA rating pay more than a 100% TDIU rating?
Here is another question I get a lot. Does TDIU pay less than a 100% schedular rating? The answer is no. They pay the same.
Both TDIU and a 100% schedular rating pay you at the 100% rating level. Currently, they both pay around $3,000 a month, depending on whether you have dependents and how many you have.
A schedular rating is one where your ratings add up to 100% using VA math. TDIU is an extraschedular rating where VA gives you the 100% rating even though VA math does not make your ratings add up to 100%.
Since TDIU and a schedular 100% rating pay you the same, there is not really a big advantage to getting the 100% schedular rating. The main reason that you might push for a 100% schedular rating is that you are still employable even thought you can demonstrate a 100% rating.
If you are still employable, then you will not be able to prove the unemployable part of the TDIU requirement. But, you shoulder remember that you can sometimes still be working and be technically “unemployable” when you are working in certain jobs. To find out more about that, read this article.
Do I have to be service connected already to claim TDIU benefits?
The short answer to that question is “no.” You don’t have to already be service-connected.
TDIU can be made as part of an original claim for service connection of a particular disability. It can also be made as part of an increased rating claim, for something that is already service-connected.
In most situations, what I see is a veteran making a TDIU claim on a disability that is already service-connected. However, it doesn’t have to be done that way.
Let’s run through an example here of a veteran with Vietnam service. The veteran is diagnosed with ischemic heart disease, which VA should presume was caused by the veteran’s exposure to Agent Orange or another herbicide in service. If the veteran has severe limitations because of the ischemic heart disease and will probably qualify for a 60% rating, then it will often make sense to go ahead and claim TDIU benefits, even though the veteran has not yet received a grant of service-connection.
You can do this. VA can decide both of those issues, service-connection and TDIU at the same time. VA does this all the time with any application for a service-connected condition. If they decide the condition is service-connected, then VA has to assign your rating.
If you file for TDIU before being service-connected, then VA will just consider whether you qualify for TDIU after they grant service-connection for your condition. So, if you are applying for service-connection for a condition that makes you unemployable, you should strongly consider filing for TDIU at the same time.
Travis Studdard is an attorney who focuses on representing veterans in VA disability compensation claims. He regularly writes about issues that are important to veterans and their families.
You can subscribe to his Veterans Disability channel on YouTube.
I could not have asked for a better lawyer to represent my worker comp. case. Any questions I had during the process was always answered in a timely manner. Mr. Perkins really cared about insuring that I wasn't being taken advantage of during this process and helped us reach a settlement that I feel comfortable with. I would recommend this firm to my parents or children.syndel Laber
I'm so thankful and grateful for all the hard work Jason, Tina and Liz did for me. They went above and beyond to get the best outcome for me. They took the to explain everything that was going on with my case again I'm so thankful grateful and happy with the outcome of my workers comp case.Adrian Adams
First off, I must say thank you again to the office of Perkins Studdard. I appreciate all the hard work and dedication your office has shown to achieve a successful and happy outcome. You have forever changed my family’s life!
Also, I wanted to give a special shoutout to Jessica Hyatt for her excellent attitude, advice, and overall professionalism throughout every step of this process.
This journey has finally been complete after more than a decade of being denied and almost giving up. However, two of my old coworkers advised me that the office of Perkins Studdard had also successfully helped them achieve their proper rating too.
Needless to say, this has been one of my best decisions in life. I can now sleep a little better and stress free knowing I finally got what I deserved all along.
Once again, thank you for everything! And shoutout to Travis Studdard, “we did it.”
Respectfully,
Jonathon FloresJonathon Flores
My family and I are so grateful for Jason Perkins and his team. Jason explains thing's to detail and walks you through every step of your case. I would highly recommend Perkins Studdard for your legal needs. Thank you so much Jason and Tina!Chapin & Lea Anne Warner
The best I know for workers comp attorney'sDenise Williams
Jason really has helped me so much through this hard experience I have went through! And the ladies in the office was wonderful with any and everything I had questions about! I highly recommend using this lawyer office to everyone and Jason Perkins for sure!! Thank y'all for everything and making it easier to get through this long though experience!
James HammittJames Hammitt
Thank you so much ! I received excellent representation from the entire Perkins Studdard Law firm, my VA claim was resolved and granted in a timely manner, they were hands on with me during the entire process. I would definitely recommend the firm to any veteran deciding to file a VA claim.Darrell Lynn
I would like to thank the law firm of Perkins-Studdard (Travis) and his team, for performing such an outstanding job, at every possible level, during my recent situation with the VA Disability Claims . From the first time I called and spoke with Mr Studdard with an overview of my situation, until the final settlement was executed (successfully I may add), I always felt that I was in good hands with this firm. Everyone in the office, Jessica, and April were responsive, approachable, knowledgeable, good listeners, and extremely professional. Mr. Studdard was realistic of the circumstances and of the potential difficult process that would lay ahead, should I proceed. I can’t say enough about Travis, and I will always be thankful to him. Travis was committed, and he instilled a real sense of confidence during both the highs and the lows. He ultimately prevailed and the outcome was very much in my favor. Of course, each case is different on its own merits and one can never predict how things ultimately will turn out. All I know is that the settlement far exceeded my expectation. Mr. Studdard has been a blessing to me.
I strongly recommend that anyone who would find themselves in a similar legal situation with the VA to contact Law Offices of Perkins Studdard for a consultation. It was a very positive experience given the circumstances. Thank you again, I shall forever be in your debt.Concetta Hogg
Mr. Perkins, I cannot express enough how thankful I am for your exceptional representation. Your hard work, expertise, and unwavering commitment to my case have left an indelible mark. Thanks to you, I can now move forward with my life, confident that justice has been served.Esli Roque
Travis and his team have been a blessing for me and my family. They have done an amazing job in helping me navigate the VA appeals process. They kept their eye on the ball all the way through the long, difficult and confusing process. I highly recommend Travis and his team because thanks to their professionalism and know how, I got the benefits I deserve.Daniel patriot
I understand you want your VA claim to be done as quickly as possible. But remember the ultimate goal – to win your VA disability compensation claim.
You may eventually get there on your own, but it may be after a series of decisions by the Regional Office and Board of Veterans Appeals. Sometimes claims are appealed and remanded several times, which can cause a claim to drag on for years. If you are interested in avoiding unnecessary delay in your claim and want to do everything you can to maximize your chances of success, it is probably a good idea for you to consult with an accredited veterans disability attorney.
We would be happy to talk to you. If you would like a free consultation with our Perkins Studdard veterans disability attorneys just click here or give us a call to begin the process.