Dealing with PTSD is tough, especially when it keeps you from working.
That’s where TDIU comes in—it’s a benefit that can help you if your PTSD makes it hard to keep a job.
If you’ve got a 70% rating for PTSD, or 60% for just PTSD, TDIU might be for you.
What’s TDIU?
TDIU stands for Total Disability Individual Unemployability.
It’s a way to help you if your PTSD from service stops you from working a regular job.
The VA gives you benefits like you’re 100% disabled, even if your rating is less.
For more detailed information on Individual Unemployability, check out our IU Guide for extra guidance by clicking below.
Learn what you need to know about IU by clicking here!
Can You Get TDIU with 50 or 70 PTSD?
If you have a 50% PTSD rating
A 50% PTSD rating suggests moderate impairment, where symptoms may challenge work efficiency but don’t preclude employment.
Veterans with additional service-connected disabilities might reach a combined rating high enough for TDIU consideration, indicating an overall impairment that hampers their employability.
Click here to learn about PTSD secondary conditions.
If you have a 70% PTSD rating
At a 70% rating, PTSD is considered severe, with symptoms like frequent difficulties in social or work settings.
This rating alone can significantly bolster a veteran’s TDIU claim, as it evidences the debilitating impact of PTSD on their ability to work.
Read about 70% Ratings for PTSD here.
The 70/40 Rule
Under the 70/40 rule, a veteran with a single condition rated at 70% and additional disabilities combining to 40% is automatically considered for TDIU.
This rule ensures that veterans with substantial service-connected disabilities are evaluated for eligibility to receive benefits commensurate with a 100% disability rating.
For an in-depth understanding of the 70/40 rule and how it applies to TDIU claims, click here to read our guide.
How to Get TDIU for PTSD?
Getting TDIU for PTSD means you’ve got to show the VA two main things:
- Your PTSD rating is high enough.
- Your PTSD makes it too hard for you to work.
Start by gathering all your medical records and evidence that show how your PTSD affects your work life.
If you’re seeing a doctor or getting help for your PTSD, that’s important to include too.
The VA knows that PTSD can make it too hard for some vets to work.
That’s why they have TDIU.
It’s there to make sure you have financial support if your PTSD is linked to your service and affects your job.
If you’re looking to understand your PTSD better, take a look at our PTSD guide. Click below for more information.
For everything you need to know about PTSD and VA Ratings for it, click here!