Securing VA Disability Benefits: 100 Percent Schedular Versus TDIU

A permanent disability rating is key to ancillary health and education benefits

To get the most from your veterans’ benefits, you must have an accurate disability rating that truly reflects your physical limitations. The Veterans Administration has two methods of measuring disability by which a vet can be rated 100 percent disabled. However, a total disability rating that is only temporary may not provide a veteran’s family with full benefits, since ancillary benefits for healthcare and education are only available to dependents of permanently disabled vets. At Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban, we are dedicated to helping veterans obtain the maximum benefits available. We help veterans:

• Qualify for disability under the VA schedule for the full compensation they deserve
• Appeal schedule ratings and make a case for total disability individual unemployability (TDIU)
• Present convincing evidence of permanent disability

Understanding “the schedule” versus total disability individual unemployability (TDIU)

The schedule and TDIU processes for rating total disability are different, but achieve the same end results. In other words, there are two ways to calculate disability, but the benefits payments are equal. With the schedule method, VA doctors have a list of injuries and requirements that must be met to reach a determination of total disability. However, the VA realizes that the schedule cannot cover all injuries, and that veterans with two or more partially disabling conditions can be disabled in the aggregate, rather than from a single cause. TDIU allows doctors to look at whether, given the totality of a veteran’s physical limitations, he or she can keep gainful employment. Although obtaining a 100 percent schedular disability rating or an individual unemployability rating secures significant veterans benefits, additional veterans compensation is available only when that rating is permanent.

Let us help you achieve permanent disability status

The complexities of the VA disability rating process can be difficult to manage without experienced counsel. Our skilled VA disability benefits attorneys guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that the evidence of your disability is complete, clear and concise. To schedule a free consultation, call us toll free at 866-866-VETS or contact Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban online.