Many Veterans are unable to return to work because of the lasting impact of their service-connected injuries or conditions. When these limitations prevent a Veteran from maintaining substantial employment, he or she may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits. Filing TDIU claims in Logan is a way for Veterans to get total disability compensation, even if their combined VA rating is below 100%.
Understanding TDIU can be challenging, especially because it depends not only on medical conditions but also on how those conditions affect a Veteran’s ability to work. The VA looks closely at each Veteran’s individual circumstances, including education, work history, and functional capacity. Having experienced VA claims attorneys can help ensure that your claim reflects the full extent of your limitations and the obstacles you face in the workplace.
This status is granted to those whose service-connected disabilities make it impossible to maintain substantially gainful employment.
To qualify, Veterans must meet certain percentage requirements. The math can get complex; multiple disabilities can be combined for a 70% rating, as long as one is rated at least 40%. Another way to qualify requires a lower threshold of 60% for just one disability. However, even Veterans who do not meet these exact percentages may still qualify under an “extraschedular” review if their conditions significantly interfere with their ability to work.
Veterans pursuing unemployability claims in Logan, WV should provide detailed evidence showing how their conditions prevent full-time employment. This may include medical records, statements from former employers, and lay statements from friends or family describing the daily challenges the Veteran faces. Evidence of failed work attempts, frequent absences, or accommodations that could not be maintained can also strengthen the case.
Because the VA evaluates TDIU based on the overall impact of service-connected conditions, it is important to show how these limitations interact. For instance, a Veteran with chronic back pain and post-traumatic stress disorder may struggle with both physical and emotional barriers that make steady employment impossible.
TDIU exists to help Veterans whose disabilities make it impossible to work, even if the VA’s rating schedule does not fully reflect their condition’s severity. The VA rating system can be rigid—focusing on symptoms rather than real-life effects—so TDIU fills that gap.
Veterans filing for TDIU in Logan often include evidence of symptoms for higher service-connected conditions that prevent them from performing consistent work. Unlike a standard rating, TDIU recognizes that two Veterans with the same diagnosis may face completely different challenges depending on their unique situations.
The VA does not consider age or non-service-connected conditions when deciding TDIU eligibility. Instead, it focuses solely on how service-connected disabilities limit the ability to work. This distinction makes accurate medical documentation essential. An attorney can help gather opinions from medical professionals who understand how your conditions specifically affect employability.
If you can no longer work because of your service-connected disabilities, our experienced attorneys at Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, can help you pursue your TDIU claim in Logan.
We understand how difficult it can be to live with chronic pain, mental health challenges, or physical limitations. Let us help you gather the right evidence, complete your application, and appeal unfair denials. A free consultation can be your first step toward receiving the compensation you deserve.
