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Veterans often wonder, “Can I work while receiving VA disability benefits?”
The short answer is YES, but there are important rules and exceptions to understand—especially if you’re receiving Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
In this article from VA disability expert Brian Reese, we’ll explain when veterans can work, when they can’t, and what types of employment are allowed under VA rules.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Schedular VA Disability Ratings: Veterans with schedular disability ratings (0% to 100%) can work full-time or part-time without restrictions, and employment does not affect their VA compensation.
- 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) Ratings: Veterans with a 100% P&T rating can work without income limits, and their benefits are protected from routine re-evaluations.
- Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU): Veterans receiving TDIU face stricter employment rules, as income above the 2024 poverty threshold ($15,060) could jeopardize eligibility.
- Marginal and Sheltered Employment Exceptions: Veterans receiving TDIU may work under marginal employment (below poverty level) or in sheltered work environments without losing benefits.
Can I Work While Collecting VA Disability Benefits?
Yes, veterans with a schedular VA disability rating—whether it’s 10%, 50%, or even 100%—are allowed to work without restrictions.
Your ability to earn income does not affect your VA disability compensation for a schedular rating, so long as you’re not receiving benefits under TDIU (explained below).
Key Takeaway:
- Schedular Disability Ratings: Veterans can work full-time or part-time without restrictions.
Can You Work With a 100% VA Disability Rating?
Yes, veterans with a 100% schedular VA disability rating can work without any restrictions or limitations.
Whether you work full-time, part-time, or not at all, your disability compensation remains protected.
Important Notes:
- A 100% schedular rating is based solely on the severity of your service-connected conditions—not your ability to work.
- Your employment will not trigger a re-evaluation of your VA disability rating or benefits.
Working with a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) VA Disability Rating
Yes, veterans with a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) disability rating are allowed to work without any income limitations.
For example, you could have a 6-figure income from your job and have a 100% P&T VA rating.
The P&T designation means your condition is unlikely to improve, and you are protected from routine re-evaluations.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Working will not affect your 100 percent P&T status.
- Many veterans with P&T ratings pursue jobs with flexible schedules or accommodations that fit their physical or mental limitations.
Can I Work and Receive Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)?
Veterans receiving Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) face stricter rules when it comes to employment.
TDIU provides benefits at the 100% disability rate for veterans whose service-connected disabilities prevent them from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.
Working while receiving TDIU can put your benefits at risk if your job exceeds marginal employment thresholds.
Substantially Gainful Employment Defined
- The VA defines substantially gainful employment as work that provides an income above the federal poverty threshold.
- 2024 Poverty Threshold: $15,060 for one person.
- Income above this level can jeopardize TDIU eligibility.
Marginal Employment and Sheltered Work Environments
- Marginal Employment: Jobs where earnings are below the poverty threshold ($15,060 in 2024).
- Sheltered Employment: Work in a family business or an environment that accommodates disabilities beyond standard workplace practices.
- Both are exceptions and do not count as substantially gainful employment under TDIU rules.
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About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
