TDIU Application

1. 1

   Do now · 01

   Before you start

   Estimated time

   30-60 minutes

   Use this form when: When service-connected conditions prevent you from keeping substantially gainful employment. The usual schedular thresholds are one disability rated at least 60%, or multiple disabilities with one at least 40% and a combined rating of at least 70%, but VA may consider some claims below those thresholds.

2. Gather · 02

   Gather your documents

   Required

   • ✓Employment history requested on VA Form 21-8940 — Provide the employer, date, hours, earnings, and other work-history details the current application requests.
   • ✓Education and training history — Schools attended, degrees or certifications earned.

   Helpful when available

   • +Relevant medical, employment, or lay evidence — Submit or identify evidence that accurately documents the functional and work effects of service-connected disabilities; no private doctor's statement is universally required.
   • +VA Form 21-4192 employer information — VA may ask a former employer to complete this form. Follow VA's request; the Veteran should not delay the application while waiting for an employer response.
   • +Income documentation — Tax returns or pay records may be relevant when employment could be marginal or specially accommodated.
3. 3

   Waypoint · 03

   Complete the form

   • ✓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
4. 4

   Waypoint · 04

   Avoid common mistakes

   • ×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
5. Go next · 05

   Submit the form

   Available methods

   • Online
   • Mail

   Mail to

   Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444

   Submission note

   Use VA's current online application or VA Form 21-8940 as directed. VA may request employer information on Form 21-4192. An accredited representative can help review the submission.

   Start on VA.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)View or download official form↗ (opens in a new tab)

Continue the route

Forms are just one piece. Make sure your full claim is solid.