Not every veteran will have a 100% disability rating, but many live with conditions so serious that they cannot hold steady employment. That’s where TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability) comes in. TDIU allows veterans who don’t meet 100% on paper to be paid at the 100% level if their service-connected conditions prevent them from working.
For example, a veteran might have PTSD rated at 70% and knee problems rated at 20%. That doesn’t add up to 100%, but together, those disabilities make it impossible to keep a job. With TDIU, the VA recognizes that reality and pays the veteran as if they are 100% disabled.
The VA looks at whether a veteran can maintain “substantially gainful employment.” This means more than just being able to find odd jobs here and there. If a veteran’s service-connected conditions make it impossible to work consistently or earn a living wage, TDIU should apply.
The process can feel intimidating because it often requires forms, work history, and sometimes statements from employers. Many veterans are also afraid to admit how much their conditions affect them because they don’t want to seem weak. But telling the truth about the struggles—missed days, difficulty concentrating, pain that makes it impossible to stand or sit—can make all the difference.
We help veterans present their cases honestly and clearly so the VA understands the full picture. TDIU isn’t a handout—it’s recognition that some conditions, alone or combined, make steady work impossible. Veterans who gave everything in service shouldn’t have to suffer financially when they can no longer work.
Next Step: If you can’t hold steady work due to service-connected conditions, we can help you apply for TDIU and fight for the full benefits you deserve.

