Answer 5 questions to find out if you qualify for $3,737/month in VA compensation — even without a 100% rating.
Question 1 of 5
What is your highest single service-connected disability rating?
Question 2 of 5
What is your combined VA disability rating?
Question 3 of 5
Are you currently employed?
Question 4 of 5
Is your inability to work primarily because of your service-connected conditions?
Question 5 of 5
Have you filed a VA disability claim before?
✅ Likely Qualifies for TDIU
You Likely Qualify for TDIU
Estimated monthly compensation: $3,737.85/month
Based on your answers, you appear to meet the standard VA criteria for TDIU under 38 CFR 4.16(a). Your rating threshold and employment situation align with what the VA requires.
Your Next Steps
File VA Form 21-526EZ requesting TDIU (check the TDIU box)
Submit VA Form 21-8940 (Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability)
Get a nexus letter from your doctor connecting your SC condition(s) to your inability to work
Ask former employers to complete VA Form 21-4192 (employer's statement)
Consider working with a VSO or accredited claims agent
⚠️ Possibly Qualifies — More Evidence Needed
You May Qualify — With the Right Evidence
Potential monthly compensation: $3,737.85/month
Your situation is borderline. You may qualify under extraschedular TDIU (38 CFR 4.16(b)), but you'll need strong evidence showing that your specific service-connected conditions prevent gainful employment — even if you don't meet the standard rating thresholds.
What Could Help Your Case
A detailed nexus letter from your treating physician specifically addressing work capacity
Vocational assessment from a rehabilitation specialist
Employment history showing progressive deterioration due to SC conditions
Work with a VSO to explore extraschedular TDIU (4.16(b)) referral
Consider whether any additional conditions can be service-connected to raise your rating
❌ Unlikely to Qualify Currently
You Don't Currently Meet TDIU Thresholds
But you may qualify after increasing your rating
Based on your answers, you don't currently meet the standard TDIU rating thresholds or employment criteria. However, this may change — and there are paths to get there.
How to Get There
Focus on increasing your combined rating to 70%+ with at least one condition at 40%+
Explore secondary service connections (conditions caused or worsened by SC conditions)
If you have conditions not yet claimed, add them to reach the TDIU threshold
TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability) is a VA benefit that pays veterans at the 100% compensation rate — $3,737.85/month in 2026 — even if their combined disability rating is below 100%, as long as their service-connected conditions prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment.
There are two pathways to TDIU:
Schedular TDIU (38 CFR 4.16(a)): One SC disability at 60%+ OR combined 70%+ with at least one at 40%+
Extraschedular TDIU (38 CFR 4.16(b)): Doesn't meet rating thresholds but can demonstrate inability to work — requires Director of Compensation referral
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TDIU (Individual Unemployability)?
TDIU allows veterans who cannot maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities to receive compensation at the 100% rate ($3,737.85/month in 2026) even if their combined rating is less than 100%.
What rating do I need to qualify for TDIU?
Standard criteria: one SC disability at 60%+ OR combined rating of 70%+ with at least one disability at 40%+. Extraschedular TDIU is available for veterans who don't meet these thresholds but can demonstrate inability to work.
Can I work if I have TDIU?
TDIU recipients cannot engage in substantially gainful employment. Marginal employment (earning below the federal poverty threshold, ~$15,060/year) is allowed. Working full-time can result in TDIU termination.
How does TDIU compare to 100% schedular?
Both pay $3,737.85/month in 2026. The key difference: TDIU restricts employment, while 100% schedular has no employment restriction. See our full comparison at TDIU vs 100% — Which Pays More?