Can I work if I’m 100% disabled?
We get this question often. The answer? Most likely, yes.
Veterans rated with a 100% Permanent and Total VA disability rating do not face any restrictions on work activity, unless the veteran was awarded this rating through Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
TDIU is a benefit that allows veterans to be compensated at VA’s 100 percent disability rate, even if their combined scheduler disability rating does not equal 100 percent. TDIU is awarded in circumstances in which veterans are unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment as a result of their service-connected conditions. If you receive TDIU, you are considered totally (100%) disabled even if your disability rating is less than 100 percent. But TDIU can be permanent or temporary. So it’s important to check your rating decision.
So, if you are 100% Permanent and Total VA disabled veteran, you can still work as much or as little as you would like. If you are TDIU, then only under certain circumstances can the veteran have a job. For more information on receiving a TDIU, follow this link.
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I’m confused. How can you be 100% disabled and even able to work?
Author
Great question Lee! With the VA, the disability rating (as well as pay) is on a scale of percentages. The percentage may be assigned to a single condition, or there may be smaller percentages for multiple conditions that can add up to a larger VA disability percentage rating. The VA recognizes that disability comes in many forms and does not limit the disabled vet’s work opportunities. Therefore, a 100% rating does not necessarily mean that a veteran is “fully disabled” in terms of real-world ability to work, perform self-care, etc.. There is a difference between “disabled” and “unemployable” (TDIU is a whole different animal with it’s own set of rules).
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