Skip to main content Scroll Top

VA DISABILITY FOR TOTAL DISABILITY BASED ON INDIVIDUAL UNEMPLOYABILITY (TDIU)

Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is a VA disability benefit designed for Veterans whose service-connected conditions prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment. Many Veterans in Atlanta, Georgia struggle to work consistently due to physical or mental health conditions related to military service, even when their combined VA disability rating is below 100 percent.

TDIU helps bridge this gap by allowing qualifying Veterans to receive compensation at the 100 percent disability rate when service-connected limitations make full-time employment unrealistic or impossible.

What Is TDIU?

TDIU recognizes that some Veterans are unable to work due to the functional impact of their service-connected disabilities, rather than the numerical rating alone. Conditions such as chronic pain, mobility limitations, PTSD, sleep disorders, or other agency common conditions may significantly affect a Veteran’s ability to perform job duties on a consistent basis.

TDIU focuses on how service-connected conditions impact employability, not age or non-service-connected factors.

Common Conditions That May Affect Employability

Veterans in the Atlanta metro area often report difficulty maintaining employment due to conditions such as:

  • PTSD and other service-connected mental health conditions

  • Musculoskeletal injuries causing chronic pain or limited mobility

  • Back, knee, or joint conditions affecting physical labor

  • Sleep apnea and fatigue-related disorders

  • Neurological or systemic conditions impacting concentration or stamina

When these conditions interfere with reliability, productivity, or attendance, they may contribute to eligibility for TDIU.

How the VA Evaluates TDIU

The Department of Veterans Affairs considers multiple factors when evaluating TDIU, including:

  • Severity of service-connected disabilities

  • Impact on the ability to perform work-related tasks

  • Employment history and consistency

  • Medical evidence describing functional limitations

Veterans may be eligible for TDIU even if they are not completely unemployed, depending on the nature of their work and the level of impairment caused by service-connected conditions.

Importance of Medical and Employment Documentation

Strong documentation is essential for Veterans seeking TDIU benefits in Atlanta, GA. Helpful records may include:

  • Medical treatment records describing functional limitations

  • Statements outlining how conditions affect daily activities

  • Employment history showing reduced capacity or work interruptions

  • Evidence of accommodations or difficulty sustaining employment

Incomplete or unclear documentation is a common reason TDIU claims are delayed or denied.

Financial Stability and Quality of Life

TDIU provides compensation at the 100 percent VA disability rate, which can help Veterans maintain financial stability when working is no longer feasible due to service-connected conditions. This support allows Veterans to focus on health, treatment, and long-term well-being.

VA Disability Information for Veterans in Atlanta, Georgia

Veterans living in Atlanta and surrounding Georgia communities deserve clear, accurate information about TDIU and other VA disability benefits. Understanding how the VA evaluates unemployability can help Veterans better navigate the process and protect the benefits they earned through service.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. VA disability claims are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about other Agency Common Conditions or contact our team at 404-467-9017 for your free consultation.