Total Disability based on Individual Employability (TDIU) offers eligible veterans 100% VA disability if they can’t maintain sustainably gainful employment due to their service-connected disabilities, but what is the VA TDIU approval rate?
In this post, we answer the top questions regarding the VA TDIU approval rate to help you stay positive during this frequently challenging journey.
Let’s get started.
What is the VA TDIU Approval Rate?
Generally, the VA TDIU approval rate will vary depending on the situation; however, a 2023 fiscal year VA report showed over 58,000 veterans received a 100% disability rating, a 20% increase from 2022.
To claim Individual Unemployability, the veteran must submit the following proof:
- VA disability records showing evidence of the conditions and ratings to be considered.
- Any medical evidence from the past 12 months that supports that the conditions make the veteran unemployable.
- Employment history records that show proof of the inability to get or keep a gainful job. These should be thorough enough for the VA to see that the effort has been made to find work, but the veteran has been unable to get a job or the veteran has been unable to keep a job because of their conditions. Details, like the number of hours able to work vs. not able to work because of the disability, etc., are beneficial.
In addition, you want to fully understand how to complete VA Form 21-8940 and VA Form 21-4192 with full details of your condition and how they’ve made you unemployable.
Unfortunately, you may receive a denied TDIU claim if you don’t correctly fill out your forms or inadvertently leave out vital information.
How Hard Is It to Get TDIU From the VA?
It’s not necessarily hard to get TDIU from the VA, considering it’s typically easier than getting 100% VA disability from a service-connected condition.
To qualify for schedular TDIU, the following statement must be true:
- You can’t hold down a steady job that supports you financially because of your service-connected disability. (Odd jobs don’t count)
In addition, ONE of these must be true:
- You have at least 1 service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling OR
- You have 2 or more service-connected disabilities, with at least 1 rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more.
If you don’t qualify for schedular TDIU, you may be eligible for extra-schedular TDIU if your condition prevents you from working but you don’t meet the normal percentage thresholds.
Can You Get TDIU and VA Disability?
No, you can’t get TDIU and VA disability concurrently since TDIU grants 100% VA disability to eligible veterans, and you can’t have a VA disability rating higher than 100%.
What is the TDIU Success Rate?
It’s challenging to determine the TDIU success rate since all claims vary from person to person.
However, the VA will consider your work experience, the extent of your disabilities, and how they affect your ability to work.
We recommend you apply for TDIU if you have a service-connected disability that prevents you from working, despite any stories you hear about TDIU success rates.
What is the TDIU Appeal Success Rate?
When it comes to winning appeals, TDIU success stories vary from year to year; however, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) releases quarterly reports showing the number of appeals filed and their success rate.
Reasons for Denied TDIU Claims
It’s worth noting that you may have received a denied TDIU claim for one of the following reasons:
- An error in your application
- Your claim didn’t prove you can’t work due to a service-connected disability
- You didn’t provide enough medical evidence
- The VA didn’t consider your background and work history
- Your VA rating doesn’t meet the necessary threshold
If you can determine whether one of the above reasons applies to your TDIU claim, it’s highly recommended you file an appeal.
The good news is there are plenty of TDIU success stories to show it’s possible to receive TDIU if you can prove you can’t obtain sustainably gainful employment due to a service-connected disability.
You DESERVE a HIGHER VA rating.
WE CAN HELP.
Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call with an experienced Team Member. Learn what you’ve been missing so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you’ve earned for your service.
NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?
Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and, therefore, not getting their due compensation. At VA Claims Insider, we educate you on how to take control of the claims process so you may get the rating and compensation you’re owed by law. If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating—or you’re unsure how to get started—reach out to us!
Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you in building a fully developed claim (FDC)—so you may increase your rating FAST! Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. Learn what you’ve been missing—so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE!
Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
