How to Apply for TDIU
Veterans with service-connected conditions that prevent them from working but who haven’t received a 100 percent VA disability rating may be eligible for Total Disability Individual Unemployability, or TDIU. TDIU provides disabled veterans with benefits equivalent to someone with a 100 percent disability rating.
- TDIU allows veterans with less than 100% disability ratings to receive full compensation if they can’t work due to service-related conditions.
- Eligibility requires either one disability rated at 60% or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%.
- Veterans can apply for TDIU with their initial VA claim or later, and successful claims result in compensation equivalent to a 100% disability rating.
To be considered for TDIU benefits, you must submit an application to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Learn how to apply for TDIU with Veterans Guide.
How To Apply for TDIU
You can apply for TDIU simultaneously with your initial VA disability claim—or later if your condition worsens. Veterans with service-connected disabilities may apply for TDIU online, via fax or mail, in person, or with an attorney’s assistance.
When you initially file for benefits, you must submit VA Form 21-526EZ – Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. When you apply for TDI, you must also submit the following forms:
- VA Form 21-8940: Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability
- VA Form 21-4192: Request for Employment Information in Connection with Claim for Disability Benefits
You must also submit evidence to substantiate your TDIU claim. Examples of relevant documents include medical records, doctor’s statements, and other evidence that shows you can’t perform gainful employment.
Applying for TDIU Online
You can start a TDIU online application through the Veterans Affairs website. To begin, log into your account. If you have not previously filed for disability benefits, you must complete VA Form 21-526EZ. This form is used to initiate all claims for VA disability benefits. It requests the following information:
- Personal information and contact details
- Toxic exposure history
- Current service-related disability information
- Military service dates and locations
- Service and retirement pay details
- Direct deposit account information
- Veterans signature
To request TDIU benefits, you must also complete VA Form 21-8940. This form documents your employment history for the past five years, recent hospitalizations and medical care, and any schooling or training received. It helps the VA evaluate your ability to work and earn a living wage.
You and your most recent employer must complete VA Form 21-4192. You must provide your name and Social Security number, and your most recent employer must provide details about your recent earnings, work hours, and benefits.
Remember to include all VA forms and supporting evidence for your claim, such as medical records and doctor’s statements concerning your service-related condition. Written statements from family members and friends regarding your health and its effects on your daily activities may also strengthen your claim.
To initiate a TDIU claim, you can upload all documents and records through the VA portal. After submitting the documents, you’ll receive a confirmation message.
Applying Via Fax or Mail
Veterans located in the U.S. may fax their TDIU applications to (844) 531-7818. Those overseas can fax documents to (248) 524-4260.
The mailing address for VA benefits claims is:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Remember to include all VA forms and evidence in a faxed or mailed claim.
Applying In Person
To apply in person, visit a local VA benefits office. You can find nearby sites through the VA website. A local representative will explain the process and answer any basic questions you have. Most VA benefits offices allow walk-in appointments, but it’s worth scheduling in advance to avoid a long wait.
Applying With the Help of a VA-Accredited Attorney
Working with an experienced VA-accredited attorney at Veterans Guide takes the stress out of the TDIU process. Instead of spending hours gathering documentation and filling out forms, your attorney will handle the application process for you. Their help may improve your chances of a successful TDIU claim.
What Is the Approval Rate for TDIU?
A TDIU approval depends on the individual veteran’s medical condition and work capability. Because it’s so personalized, it’s impossible to predict the success of a claim. However, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Annual Benefits Report noted that nearly 370,000 veterans received TDIU in 2023. That’s a 14 percent increase from 2022, when approximately 323,000 veterans qualified for TDIU.
Veterans who meet the TDIU eligibility requirements and submit all the appropriate documentation have a good chance of approval. Working with a VA-accredited lawyer can strengthen your claim and help you avoid unnecessary mistakes.
The Effective Date of TDIU Claims
The effective date of your TDIU benefits is essential to determining how much compensation you receive as back pay when TDIU is granted. The VA often uses the date you filed your Form 21-8940 TDIU application as the effective date. One year between filing and approval grants you one year of back pay.
Making the effective date the same as the application date may work out for veterans who apply for TDIU along with their initial claim. But others may lose compensation they deserve, such as:
- Veterans who didn’t realize they needed to send in separate forms for TDIU
- Veterans who didn’t know the effect their disability would have on their employment
- Veterans with undiagnosed conditions
For example, a veteran with a service-related physical condition might file through the usual VA disability process and get a 30 percent VA disability rating. The effects of undiagnosed PTSD could then lead to chronic unemployment. If a doctor determines two years later that the veteran has PTSD dating back to their service, the effective date of their TDIU benefits should be that of their initial claim.
The questions around TDIU effective dates are another reason to work with a lawyer. If the VA denies TDIU or grants an effective date that doesn’t match when you became unemployable, your attorney can appeal. Since each case is decided on its own merits, there is a chance that persuasive arguments and evidence will lead to a change in your effective date on appeal.
The VA disability appeal process is complex, and you can go through several levels up to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Be sure to choose an accredited, experienced VA attorney to advocate on your behalf.
If you have more questions about TDIU or other VA benefits, consult the experienced team at Veterans Guide.
Hiring a TDIU Lawyer
Working with a skilled attorney who understands VA benefits is in your best interest. Lawyers with experience navigating the TDIU claims process know what the VA looks for during its evaluation. Their familiarity with the system can prevent common errors that delay your case so you can start receiving the benefits you’re due.
Contact Veterans Guide today, and we will connect you with a skilled attorney for your TDIU claim.
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