VA Form 21-8940
TDIU Application
Claim you can't work due to your disabilities. Can get you paid at the 100% rate even if your rating is lower.
TDIU Application
In Plain English
Claim you can't work due to your disabilities. Can get you paid at the 100% rate even if your rating is lower.
Requests Total Disability Individual Unemployability — pays 100% rate when your conditions prevent you from working.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to file 21-8940
When to use this form
When your service-connected conditions prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, and you meet the rating threshold (60% single or 70% combined).
Required
- ✓Employment records (last 5 years)
Employer names, addresses, dates of employment, hours worked, and reasons for leaving.
- ✓Medical evidence showing inability to work
Doctor's statements explaining how your service-connected conditions prevent employment.
- ✓Education and training history
Schools attended, degrees or certifications earned.
Recommended (if applicable)
- +Income documentation
Tax returns or pay stubs if you have any marginal employment.
You'll need to provide
- ✓Complete work history (last 5 years)
- ✓Education and training history
- ✓Which service-connected conditions prevent employment
- ✓Date you became too disabled to work
- ✓Income information
- ✕Not applying because you feel 'guilty' about it
- ✕Incomplete work history — the VA needs to see the full picture
- ✕Not explaining specifically HOW conditions prevent work
- ✕Forgetting to include marginal employment details
Mail to
Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Submit with or after your 21-526EZ. You can also file through a VSO who can help document your employment history.
Pro Tip
TDIU is not giving up. If your service-connected conditions genuinely prevent you from holding steady employment, this benefit exists for exactly this situation.
Related Forms
You might also need
Add/Remove Dependents
Add your spouse, kids, or parents to your benefits. Can increase your monthly payment.
Employment Questionnaire
The VA checking if you're still unemployable. Required if you receive TDIU.
Aid & Attendance Examination
Apply for extra help if you need daily assistance due to your disabilities.
Continue Your Research
Forms are just one piece. Make sure your full claim is solid.
Related Journeys
Veterans who use this page are often on one of these paths.
Just Separated / Brand New
“Where do I even start?”
Filing a First Claim
“How do I file my first claim?”
Denied or Stuck
“My claim got denied. Now what?”
Increasing Your Rating
“My condition got worse.”
100% P&T Veterans
“I'm 100% P&T — what else am I entitled to?”
Family Members
“My spouse or parent is a veteran.”
Survivor & Gold Star Benefits
“I lost my veteran. What am I entitled to?”
Guard & Reserve Veterans
“I was Guard or Reserve — do I qualify?”
Still have questions?
Tell the navigator what's going on. It'll point you in the right direction.