Unemployability Rating Calculator
Determine if you meet the rating thresholds for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What Is Individual Unemployability?
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) allows the VA to compensate veterans at the 100% disability rate even when their combined schedular rating falls below 100%. This benefit recognizes that certain service-connected disabilities can prevent a veteran from maintaining substantially gainful employment, regardless of how the rating percentages calculate on paper.
TDIU is not a separate disability rating — it is a compensation pathway that pays at the 100% rate when your service-connected disabilities make it impossible to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.
Schedular vs. Extraschedular TDIU
Schedular TDIU — 38 CFR § 4.16(a)
- One service-connected disability rated 60% or higher, OR
- Combined rating of 70% or higher with at least one disability rated 40% or higher
Extraschedular TDIU — 38 CFR § 4.16(b)
If you don't meet the schedular thresholds, you may still be referred for extraschedular consideration if your service-connected disabilities prevent you from working. This requires referral to the VA's Director of Compensation Service.
Disclaimer: This tool checks whether your ratings meet the schedular thresholds for TDIU. Meeting the rating thresholds alone does not guarantee TDIU approval — the VA also evaluates whether your service-connected disabilities actually prevent substantially gainful employment. This is not legal or medical advice.
Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. No specific outcome, rating, or approval can be guaranteed — results depend on the individual facts of each case and applicable law.
Add Service-Connected Conditions
Enter each of your individually rated service-connected conditions.
Employment Status
Your Rating Summary
0%
Combined Rating
0%
Highest Single Rating
TDIU Eligibility
Add conditions above to check eligibility.
If you don't meet the schedular threshold, extra-schedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) may still be possible with the right vocational and medical evidence.
Have an Accredited Agent Review Your TDIU Claim →Free 30-minute consultation · (760) 702-4507
Key Requirements Beyond Ratings
Meeting the rating thresholds is just the first step. The VA also considers:
- Your employment history and the nature of prior jobs
- Your education and vocational training
- Medical evidence showing how your disabilities affect your ability to work
- Whether any employment constitutes "substantially gainful" (generally meaning income above the poverty threshold)
- Age alone cannot be a factor in the determination
Important TDIU Considerations
- TDIU can be filed on VA Form 21-8940
- Marginal employment (such as a protected workshop or family business) does not count against TDIU eligibility
- Veterans receiving TDIU may also qualify for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA/Chapter 35)
- TDIU can be awarded on a schedular or extraschedular basis
- You can receive TDIU even if your combined rating is less than 100%