Site Logo

Give us a call (800) 600-2089Our staff is here to help: Monday-Sunday 8am-6pm

×
  • Home
  • Social Security Disability
    • Articles
    • FAQ’s
  • Veterans Disability
    • Articles
    • FAQ’s
  • Testimonials
  • Blogs
    • Social Security
    • Veterans
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Client Login
☰Menu

Veterans Blogs

Can I Work and Get TDIU?

Posted on December 1, 2019 by Ken LaVan
Increase Rating from 70% to 100%

Can I Work and Get TDIU? Many veterans are unable to support themselves because of service-connected disabilities.  Congress decided to take care of these veterans with a special benefit called TDIU.  Also known as Unemployability, TDIU pays the same monthly amount as a 100% disability rating.  Under 2019 rates, VA will pay TDIU recipients a minimum of $3,057.13 per month tax free.  The whole point of TDIU is to compensate veterans who cannot maintain a full-time job due to service-connected disabilities.  In most cases, VA will only award TDIU if the service-connected disabilities combine to at least 70%.

TDIU v Unemployed

The terms “Unemployability” and “Unemployed” look and sound alike, many veterans assume that cannot work to get TDIU.  This is a common misconception.

Amount You Can Earn

VA will grant TDIU to a veteran that works if the employment is considered “marginal.”  38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).  VA considers employment “marginal” if the veteran earns LESS than the federal poverty threshold for one person (in 2018, $12,784 per the U.S. Census Bureau).

Sheltered Work Environment

Regardless of your income, you may still be eligible for TDIU if you work in a sheltered environment.  Sheltered work environments include self-employment or a family business.  If you are your own boss, you can probably take as much time off as your medical conditions require.  Similarly, a family business is probably more accommodating to a veteran’s disabilities than the average workplace.  Also, your family or yourself would likely pay at a rate higher than you could earn at another job.

Example: Difficult TDIU Work Case

Take the example of a veteran with a 70% rating for PTSD who works as a Financial Advisor.  With the help of his doctors, he is able to manage his PTSD symptoms while earning over $100,000 a year.  Because he earns above the poverty threshold despite his PTSD, he is not a good candidate for TDIU.

Example: Good TDIU Work Case

A 60 year-old veteran owns a roofing company.  He has an 80% overall rating for PTSD, diabetes, and diabetic neuropathy.  He lost his last 2 jobs because his PTSD led to angry confrontations with customers and his bosses.  This is why he started the roofing business.  His PTSD impairs his ability to maintain relationships with friends, clients, and workers.  As his diabetes worsened over the years, he hired more workers to handle the physical labor. Over the past 5 years, he hired and fired over 20 workers.  During the same period, another 15 workers resigned because of his offensive outbursts.  This veteran is eligible for TDIU because he is employed in a sheltered environment.

Are you entitled to work and get TDIU based on marginal employment?  Call the experts at Disability Help Group, 1-800-800-3332. Or, click here to request a free evaluation.

If you would like to read more about the regulation on TDIU, click on this link, 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).

Call for a Free Case Review

When VA awards a Permanent and Total disability rating your rating is protected for the rest of your life. Are you eligible for Permanent & Total disability.

For a FREE CASE REVIEW, Call 800-800-3332 or click here.

Related Articles and Blogs

  • Can I Get 100% VA Disability for PTSD due to MST?
  • Can I Get TDIU for PTSD?
  • VA Disability Rating for PTSD
  • How are PTSD and TBI Rated Together?
  • VA Permanent and Total Disability for PTSD
  • Disability Help Group Blogs
  • Can I Work and Get TDIU?
  • What is a VA Disability Nexus Letter for PTSD?
  • Blue Water Agent Orange Update – 2020
  • Can I Get VA 100% for Blue Water Exposure?
  • Blue Water Veterans Get Agent Orange Benefits
  • Blue Water Navy Veterans
  • How Does VA Rate TBI?
  • What are VA TBI Residuals?
  • What is VA Permanent and Total Disability?
Click on a button to get started:
Are you a current client?
Are you currently receiving Social Security Disablity?
Are you currently working more than 10 hours per week?
Are you unable to work a full time job because of your disability?

Free Case Review, 100% Guaranteed

Let us help you
  • By submitting this form I consent to being called, text or emailed regarding a free consultation to determine if Disability Help Group can help me with a Social Security and/or Veteran's Disability claim. Standard cellular rates will apply and the caller may utilize an autodialer. I waive all federal and state no-call registry protections. I understand my consent does not require me to purchase anything and my number will not be stored or called for any other purpose.

Post navigation

Previous Post Previous post:
How Can I Get TDIU?
Next Post Next post:
How Can I Increase My VA Disability Rating?

© Disability Help Group, LLC

  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Term Of Use

This website is an ADVERTISEMENT. The Social Security Disability information you obtain at this site is not, nor intended to be legal advice, and should be used for informational purposes only. Disability Help Group is an Advocacy Group, not a law firm. Utilizing this website or contacting us does not create a business relationship. Disability Help Group is neither affiliated with nor endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other government entity or agency.

Call Now
Review