TDIU: paid at the 100% rate when you can't work

TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability) pays at the 100% rate even when your combined rating is below 100%, if your service-connected conditions keep you from holding substantially gainful work.

The schedular threshold (38 CFR 4.16(a))

• One service-connected condition rated 60% or higher, or
• A combined 70% or higher with at least one condition at 40% or higher.

If you fall short of those but still can't work because of service-connected conditions, VA can consider extraschedular TDIU (4.16(b)). Marginal work below the poverty threshold generally doesn't count as gainful.

What helps

Evidence you can't keep gainful employment because of the conditions: your work history, an employer statement (VA Form 21-4192), and a vocational opinion. File on VA Form 21-526EZ, usually with the TDIU application VA Form 21-8940.