I Am Rated 100% Disabled by VA; Can I Get TDIU Too?

If you are rated 100 percent disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you cannot also get TDIU. However, receipt of either one will get you the highest schedular monthly compensation possible. In other words, either will get you monthly compensation at the 100 percent rating amount.

Below, we detail the similarities, differences, and benefits of each.

Schedular 100% Rating vs. Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)

Whether you receive 100 percent disability based on VA’s disability rating schedule, or you receive it by applying and getting approved for TDIU, you are eligible to receive the schedular maximum monthly amount of VA disability compensation. So, when you look at it that way, there is no difference between the two in terms of the monetary benefit you will receive.

VA refers to a 100 percent rating as schedular because it is based on VA’s schedule of disability ratings, which runs from 0 percent to 100 percent disabled. Regardless of your work status, you can receive a schedular 100 percent rating if VA feels your diagnosis and medical evidence warrant it.

TDIU, by contrast, is available to veterans who do not qualify for a schedular 100 percent rating but demonstrate that, due to their service-connected disabilities, they are incapable of maintaining substantially gainful employment.

To qualify for TDIU, you must meet the following criteria:

• One service-connected disability with a rating of 60 percent or higher, OR multiple service-connected disabilities with a combined rating of 70 percent or higher (one of which must have a rating of 40 percent or higher); and
• Inability to maintain substantially gainful employment.

Are There Compensation Advantages to Receiving TDIU in Place of a Schedular 100% Rating?

No. You will receive the same amount of monthly compensation for TDIU as you would for a 100 percent schedular rating. It is important to know that eligibility for and receipt of TDIU is dependent on your inability to work.

You cannot receive TDIU and maintain substantially gainful employment. In contrast, if a veteran has a 100 percent schedular disability rating, they are able to work and receive full VA disability compensation.

Because TDIU, by definition, is available due to your lack of ability to work, VA can rescind your TDIU award if it finds out you are holding a job that it deems to be substantially gainful.

How Much Can I Earn for My 100% VA Disability Rating?

The monthly benefit amount is the same for 100 percent disability and TDIU. However, you can receive more per month if someone relies on you for financial support.

A 100 percent disability rating garners $3,938.58 per month for a veteran alone, as of 2026. Additional compensation depends on how many dependents you have:

• A veteran with a spouse receives $4,158.17
• A veteran with a spouse and child: $4,318.98

Is Either Rating Permanent?

Your TDIU rating is not necessarily permanent. If VA reduces your schedular rating or if you are able to work again, you may no longer be eligible for TDIU.

Your disability rating is only permanent if VA grants you “permanent and total” status.

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