Get the Veterans Benefits You Deserve: Winning Your TDIU Claim Made Easy

Welcome to the guide on how to get the veterans benefits you deserve through a TDIU claim. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure that your TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) claim is successful.

What is TDIU?

TDIU, or Total Disability Individual Unemployability, is a disability compensation program offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It provides financial support for veterans who are unable to secure and maintain employment due to service-connected disabilities.

Eligibility Requirements for TDIU

To be eligible for TDIU, a veteran must meet the following criteria:
Have one service-connected disability rated at 60% or higher, OR
Have two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or higher and a combined rating of 70% or higher

In addition, the veteran must also meet the following requirements:

Be unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to their service-connected disabilities
Be unable to work in a sedentary job (a job that involves sitting most of the time) due to their service-connected disabilities

How to File for TDIU

Gather Evidence: The first step in filing for TDIU is gathering evidence to support your claim. This can include medical records, VA disability benefits award letters, and letters from employers or co-workers.

Complete VA Form 21-8940: The next step is to fill out VA Form 21-8940, also known as the "Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability." This form will ask for information about your disabilities, work history, and education.
Submit Supporting Documents: Along with your completed VA Form 21-8940, you will need to submit any supporting documents that you gathered in step one. These can be submitted electronically through the VA’s eBenefits portal or by mail.

Attend a C&P Exam (Compensation and Pension Examination): The VA may schedule a C&P exam to evaluate the severity of your disabilities and how they impact your ability to work. It is important to attend this exam as it will play a significant role in the decision-making process for your TDIU claim.

Wait for a Decision: After submitting all necessary documents and attending any required exams, you will need to wait for a decision from the VA. The average processing time for TDIU claims can vary, but on average it takes about 4-6 months.

Tips for a Successful TDIU Claim

Get help from a Veterans Service Organization (VSO): VSOs provide free assistance to veterans with their disability benefits claims. They can help gather evidence, complete forms, and submit your claim.

Be honest about your limitations: When completing VA Form 21-8940 and attending a C&P exam, it is important to be honest about your limitations and how they impact your ability to work. Exaggerating or downplaying your disabilities can negatively affect the outcome of your claim.
Keep documentation organized: It is important to keep all documentation related to your TDIU claim organized and easily accessible. This will make it easier for you and any representatives assisting you with your claim to provide necessary evidence when needed.

Filing for TDIU can be a complex and overwhelming process, but with the right knowledge and guidance, you can successfully receive the benefits you deserve. Remember to gather evidence, complete all necessary forms, and be honest about your limitations. And don’t hesitate to seek assistance from a VSO or legal representative for additional support with your claim. Thank you for your service and sacrifices as a veteran. We hope this guide has been helpful in navigating the TDIU claim process. Let us help you get the benefits you deserve! Keep fighting for what’s rightfully yours.