Understanding the "One Disability Rule" for VA Unemployability (TDIU)

 Posted on June 20, 2025 in Uncategorized

Veterans applying for VA Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits often face confusion about required ratings and how multiple service-connected disabilities are counted. A common misconception is that only veterans with a single high-percentage disability are eligible for TDIU. However, several circumstances allow multiple disabilities to be considered as a single qualifying disability under what’s known as the "one disability rule." Grasping these details can make the difference between a denied and a successful TDIU application.

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TDIU Eligibility Criteria: Core Ratings Requirements

To qualify for TDIU, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) sets forth basic rating thresholds:

• One service-connected disability rated at 60% or higher, or
• Two or more service-connected disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or more, with at least one rated at 40% or higher.

It is crucial to note that "combined" disability ratings are not simple sums. The VA uses a special combined ratings table. Using a trusted online calculator or the official chart ensures an accurate assessment.

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Five Ways Multiple Disabilities Can Count as One for TDIU

Understanding the special provisions that allow multiple disabilities to be combined and treated as a single disability for TDIU is essential. These nuances are often overlooked:

1. Multiple Disabilities of the Same Extremity

If several service-connected conditions exist in the same arm or leg, these can be combined and regarded as one disability. For example, a veteran rated at 20% each for injuries to the right knee, right ankle, and right foot would have a combined rating (using VA math) of 55%, which rounds up to 60%. These three separate ratings on the same extremity collectively qualify as a single 60% disability for TDIU purposes.

2. Disabilities Affecting Bilateral Upper or Lower Extremities

Disabilities affecting both upper extremities (arms) or both lower extremities (legs) can also be combined. For instance, ratings of 20% for the left shoulder and 20% for the right shoulder are considered a single disability (combining to 40%), even if they affect both sides of the body. This approach also applies when calculating the required rating percentage for TDIU.

3. Disabilities of the Same Body System

Multiple service-connected conditions within the same body system (e.g., orthopedic, neurological, cardiovascular-renal system) may be combined. A veteran with coronary artery disease (30%), diabetes (20%), hypertension (10%), and kidney failure (10%) would see all ratings under the cardiovascular-renal system combined. If these total at least 60%, they count as one qualifying disability for TDIU.

4. Disabilities Resulting from a Common Etiology or Accident

When several disabilities arise from a single cause or incident (such as a car accident during service), all those ratings are combined as one. For example, traumatic brain injury (40%), neck strain (20%), and shoulder injury (20%) from a single accident can be counted collectively to meet the TDIU threshold.

5. Disabilities from the Same Combat Action

Combat-related injuries suffering simultaneous traumatic events, such as those sustained in an IED blast (PTSD - 30%, shrapnel wound - 20%, hearing loss - 10%, tinnitus - 10%), are combined and considered a single disability for TDIU evaluation.

Meeting the Ratings is Not Enough: Substantial Gainful Employment

Satisfying the TDIU rating thresholds is only half of the process. The VA further requires veterans to demonstrate that their service-connected disabilities prevent them from securing or maintaining "substantial gainful employment." This means proving that, due to these disabilities, competitive employment is not feasible.

Maximizing Your TDIU Claim

• Accurately Combine Ratings: Use VA’s combined rating table when calculating your percentage.
• Document Common Etiology: If your disabilities arose from a single injury, combat event, or affect a single body system, clearly present this in your claim with supporting documentation.
• Seek Medical and Buddy Statements: Strengthen your TDIU claim with nexus opinions, lay statements, and thorough medical evidence.
• Show Functional Impairment: Highlight not just ratings but specific ways disabilities preclude work.

Understanding and applying the "one disability rule" is essential to optimizing your TDIU claim. Multiple conditions can add up—so do not assume ineligibility if you lack a single high-rated disability. Review your ratings, consider possible combinations, and ensure you present strong evidence of employment limitations due to your service-connected conditions. Mastering these rules increases your chances of securing the VA support you’ve earned. For comprehensive guidance through the VA disability and TDIU process, consider consulting a VA-accredited legal expert to help assemble your application or appeal a denial, ensuring your service and sacrifices are fully recognized. Our team is here to help you - schedule your free consultation now - https://calendly.com/vetlawoffice