Everything You Need to
Understand Your TDIU Claim

Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is a VA benefit that allows a veteran to be compensated at the 100% disability rate even if their combined rating is below 100%, provided their service-connected conditions prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment. Read our guide to what TDIU is and who qualifies.

Earnings above the federal poverty threshold for one person are generally substantially gainful. Earnings below may qualify as marginal employment. See our TDIU income limits guide.

Some marginal or protected work may be allowed. Substantially gainful competitive employment usually disqualifies TDIU. Read can you work while receiving TDIU.

Generally, a veteran must have at least one service-connected condition rated at 60% or higher, or two or more conditions with a combined rating of at least 70% (with at least one rated 40% or higher). Exceptions can apply for veterans who don't meet the rating threshold but can demonstrate unemployability.

A vocational evaluation provides an independent, expert analysis of how your service-connected conditions impact your ability to work. It translates your medical record into occupational language the VA understands — documenting why your limitations prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment. See how a vocational expert supports TDIU claims and what evidence strengthens a TDIU case.

A vocational evaluation is most valuable when your TDIU claim has been denied, when you're filing a supplemental claim or appeal, or when the VA's vocational findings don't accurately reflect your actual work limitations. Understand why veterans get denied TDIU and how to respond.

Most evaluations are completed within 5–7 business days of completing the vocational interview and submitting your records. We confirm exact timelines during the initial case review.

Our standard flat fee is $1,599 for most TDIU vocational evaluations — covering everything: records review, interview, analysis, and written report. If a vocational opinion won't materially help your case, we'll tell you before you commit. See our full pricing breakdown or read what a TDIU vocational expert costs.