Qualifying for TDIU in a Protected Work Environment

The concept of TDIU itself can cause a lot of confusion.  This article discusses one confusing part of TDIU analysis which is “protected work environment”

As I discussed in a recent article, you can sometimes work and still qualify for TDIU benefits.  We know that concept as marginal employment.

That article on marginal employment discussed the general rule that you cannot work and draw TDIU benefits.  But, it focused on the other marginal employment exception which allows you potentially to qualify for TDIU when you earn less than the federally-designated poverty threshold.

Light duty job 2 Generally, you cannot qualify for a TDIU rating if you earn over that amount.  But, marginal employment provides another exception to this rule.  That exception, known as “protected work environment”, allows you to qualify for TDIU when your earnings exceed the federally-designated poverty threshold.

What is marginal employment within a “protected work environment”?

The federally designated poverty threshold is very low.  Many veterans earn more than that amount even if they have extreme difficulty working.

The good news is that these veterans can potentially still qualify for TDIU.  This exception focuses on what is known as a “protected work environment” or a “sheltered work environment”.  If you meet this exception, you potentially can still draw unemployability benefits regardless of the amount you earn.

What is a protected work environment?

The VA has regulations which address what a “protected work environment” is.  The VA regulation is 38 CFR 4.16.  Under this regulation, whether something qualifies as a “protected work environment” is a very fact-intensive inquiry.

This inquiry basically looks at whether the veteran is in a very specialized or unique position.  While a veteran may have a job earning good money, sometimes that veteran may not normally be able to go out in the national economy and earn that type of money.

An example of a protected work environment

The best example is probably a veteran who has service-connected disabilities and works in a family business.  Suppose he works for his father who owns the company.  Also, suppose this veteran has severe PTSD.

This veteran has days where he simply just cannot come in.  This happens quite often, yet his father keeps him on a salary.  The veteran receives a full paycheck every week whether he comes in or not

If this veteran went out in the regular economy, no employer who did not have a special relationship with that veteran would pay him that full salary to work just on the days that the veteran was able to work.

PTSD counseling Are family businesses the only type of protected work environments or sheltered employment?

Many protected work environment situations are family businesses.  However, veterans can qualify for the protected work environment exception outside of a family business-type situation.

Some specialized programs for veterans or disabled persons allow people to earn full pay even though they are not able to do the full amount of work as a non-disabled person would.  Again, no hard and fast rule exists for these situations.  It becomes a very fact-intensive inquiry.

Know that VA will look at sheltered employment situation with a critical eye.  VA may be very skeptical.  So, you likely will have to establish that you have a specialized situation.

You probably will need evidence from your employer that they would not make these accommodations for everyone.  Evidence that establishes the uniqueness of your situation will probably help.

What if I have other questions about protected work environment?

The process of dealing with VA can cause confusion and frustration.  TDIU is probably one of the more difficult concepts within that VA process.

Our firm tries to provide free information to veterans through our website and our veterans benefits channel on YouTube.  Many veterans still need help with particular questions that have to do with the specific facts of their claims.

We provide free consultations to veterans so that they can try to get answers to these questions.  This article provides more information about how a free consultation works.  If you would like to set one up, just call our office at (770) 214-8885 or complete and submit the form on this page.

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

Related Posts

Contrast:

Font Size: