While many veterans might be familiar with the term Individual Unemployability or TDIU, there are intricacies and lesser-known aspects that are crucial for a comprehensive understanding. Today, we’ll delve into these nuances, providing clarity and guidance.
1. The ‘One Disability’ Rule in TDIU:
A common misconception about TDIU is how disabilities are categorized. It’s known that for TDIU eligibility, a single disability must be rated at least 60%, or if multiple, one must be 40% with a combined rating of 70%. However, what’s less known is that multiple disabilities can sometimes be considered as “one disability.” For example:
– Extremities: Disabilities in both arms or legs, or in one limb, may count as one. If you have a 20% rating for radiculopathy in each leg, totaling 40%, this meets the single disability requirement.
– Common Cause Disabilities: Disabilities resulting from the same incident, like a car accident causing a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and neck issues, can be combined for rating purposes.
– System-Specific Disabilities: Multiple disabilities affecting one body system, such as the respiratory or cardiovascular system, are often grouped together.
– Injuries from Combat or POW Experiences: Disabilities stemming from a single combat event or time as a prisoner of war are usually considered as one.