Can I Still Work with 100% VA Disability or TDIU?
Wondering if you can work without losing your VA disability benefits? You’re not alone. Part of the problem is that many of the veterans we work with don’t understand the difference between Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) and 100% disability.
While both have similar eligibility standards, they’re not identical. Our VA disability lawyers in Kalamazoo, MI will be able to help you understand the difference so you can earn money without risking your VA benefits. Continue reading to learn whether you can work without losing your VA disability benefits.
If you’d like legal advice regarding your specific circumstances, request a consultation with one of our VA disability lawyers in Kalamazoo, MI today.
How Do You Qualify for TDIU?
You may be eligible for a TDIU rating if your service connected disability is preventing you from being a productive member of the workforce. When veterans are given a TDIU rating, this means that the VA determined them unable to obtain gainful employment due to an injury sustained while in the military. The VA makes this determination by looking at your education, work history, and medical records.
TDIU is meant for veterans who have disability ratings less than 100%, yet are unable to maintain gainful employment. In order to receive a TDIU rating, you must have served in the U.S. military and have at least one service connected disability at 60% or higher. As an alternative to the second condition, you must have two or more service connected injuries (one at 40% or higher with a minimum combined disability rating of 70%). Our VA disability lawyers can help you determine your next steps if you believe you’re eligible for TDIU.
How Do I Get a 100% VA Disability Rating?
To receive a 100% VA disability rating, your disabilities must reach a total rating of 100%. Our VA disability attorneys can help you prove the severity of your disabilities so you can receive the you deserve. We understand that you depend on your VA disability benefits to support your household, which is why we offer our legal services for veterans.
Can You Work While Receiving Military Disability?
If you’re currently working, the VA will look to see if your earnings are above the annual poverty level as determined by the Census Bureau. If your earnings fall below the annual poverty level, the VA will consider this as “marginal” employment. Veterans with marginal employment may still be able to receive TDIU, but will most likely need the help of our VA disability lawyers to receive the benefits they deserve.
Even if your earnings are above the annual poverty level, you may still be able to receive TDIU if you work in a “protected” environment, such as a sheltered workshop or family company. Whether you’ll be able to work while receiving TDIU will depend on your unique circumstances, which is exactly why you need to hire one of our VA disability lawyers as soon as possible to represent your best interests.
Our VA disability lawyers in Kalamazoo, MI fight aggressively for your rights so you can receive the you deserve. To request a consultation to discuss your TDIU, call the VA Disability Group at 1-844-VET-LAWS (838-5297).
