Claims Agents Representing Veterans Seeking Individual Unemployability Benefits
As a veteran, your military experience sets you apart from most other workers in the United States. The things you learned and the skills you developed in the military set you apart. They prepare you for certain kinds of jobs — jobs that non-military Americans often cannot do.
This is usually a good thing. But when you experience a service-connected disability, things change and you may find it difficult to hold down a job.
The government understands this challenge. That’s why the Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes Individual Unemployability, or “IU.” Individual Unemployability determinations exist for veterans who are not able to work because of their service-connected disabilities.
Individual Unemployability Benefits
Individual Unemployability is a part of the VA’s disability compensation program that allows the government to pay certain veterans compensation at the 100 percent rate — even though the VA has not rated their service-connected disabilities at the total 100% level.
You should apply for this benefit if you are unable to work as a result of your service-connected disability. This benefit provides for the payment of total disability at the 100 percent rate even though your combined rating may be less than 100 percent.
Eligibility for IU Benefits
In order to be eligible for Individual Unemployability, veterans must be unable to maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of their service-connected disabilities. They must also have one of two things:
- A single service-connected disability rated at 60 percent or more, OR
- Two or more service-connected disabilities, with one disability rated at 40 percent or more, with a combined rating of 70 percent or more
If you have more than one service-connected disability, the VA will rate each disability separately and combine them to give you an overall disability rating. Determining your combined rating is not a matter of simple math. Our guide to calculating your disability rating walks you through it.
If you do not meet the percentage criteria but cannot work, there may still be hope. Special consideration may be given to veterans who are considered unemployable due to service-connected disabilities but fail to meet the minimum percentage standards. This special consideration is given where there is evidence of exceptional or unusual circumstances affecting your ability to work, such as frequent hospitalizations due to your service-connected disabilities.
At The Rep For Vets, our VA-accredited claims agents can help you successfully appeal Individual Unemployability benefits that have been denied. Our experienced claims agents use the latest technology as well as in-depth knowledge of the law to represent veterans throughout the United States who cannot work full-time because of their service-related disabilities.
If You Cannot Work
Our claims agents may be able to help you if you cannot maintain substantial gainful employment because of your service-related disabilities. They serve veterans nationwide. From New York to Florida to Alaska — no matter where you live — and provide the help you need with your veterans benefits claim. Although some veterans consult attorneys, your best choice is a VA-accredited claims agent at The Rep For Vets®. Looking to get started? The best way is to call (888) 573-7838 for a free initial consultation or use the online contact form.
