TDIU, Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, pays compensation at the 100 percent rate when service-connected disabilities prevent you from holding substantially gainful employment, even if your combined rating is below 100 percent.
What are the TDIU rating thresholds?
Schedular TDIU requires either one disability rated at least 60 percent, or a combined rating of at least 70 percent with at least one disability rated 40 percent or higher. If you do not meet these, you may still qualify on an extraschedular basis.
Can I work and still receive TDIU?
Substantially gainful employment above the federal poverty threshold generally disqualifies you. However, marginal employment, meaning earnings below the poverty line or work in a protected environment, does not bar TDIU.
Does TDIU pay the same as a 100 percent rating?
Yes. TDIU is paid at the 100 percent compensation rate. The practical benefit is receiving the maximum monthly amount without holding a 100 percent schedular rating.