Can Veterans Work While Receiving VA Disability Benefits?
Posted by
Berry Law
on
March 5, 2025 in
Veterans
One of the most common questions Veterans ask is whether they can work while receiving VA disability benefits. The answer depends on the type of benefits, the disability rating, and whether the Veteran is receiving Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU). While some Veterans can work without affecting their benefits, others face restrictions that could jeopardize their compensation. Understanding the rules for working with a VA disability rating helps Veterans protect their benefits while maintaining employment, if possible. At Berry Law, we help Veterans navigate these complex regulations to secure the compensation they have earned.
Can Veterans Work with a VA Disability Rating?
The VA allows many Veterans to work while receiving disability benefits, but there are a few key considerations:
- No Work Restrictions for Most Ratings: Veterans with a 0% to 90% disability rating can work without affecting their benefits.
- TDIU Recipients Face Employment Restrictions: Veterans receiving Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) cannot obtain or maintain substantial gainful employment (SGE).
- Working Can Affect Future Re-Evaluations: If a Veteran’s condition improves, the VA may schedule a re-evaluation to determine if benefits should continue.
Understanding Employment Restrictions for TDIU
Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) provides compensation at the 100% disability rate for Veterans unable to obtain or maintain substantial employment due to service-connected conditions. However, the VA defines substantial gainful employment based on income levels, work environments, and the ability to keep a job:
- Income Limit: Veterans cannot earn above the federal poverty threshold (approximately $15,000 per year in 2024) while on TDIU.
You can check current poverty levels here: detailed-guidelines-2025.pdf
- Marginal Employment: Part-time or low-income jobs below the poverty level are allowed.
- Sheltered Employment: Work in a protected environment (such as a family business or non-competitive setting) may not disqualify a Veteran from TDIU.
- Frequently Changing Jobs: Changing jobs frequently could be evidence in support of eligibility for TDIU. If you cannot keep your job due to your conditions, consider TDIU.
If a TDIU recipient earns above the poverty income level, the VA may reassess their eligibility and could discontinue benefits.
What Happens If Veterans Start Working While on VA Disability?
The impact of working on VA disability benefits depends on the Veteran’s specific situation:
- Disability Rating Below 100%: No restrictions; Veterans can work without losing benefits.
- Receiving TDIU: Earnings must remain below a certain income level.
- Returning to Work After Years on Disability: The VA may conduct a re-evaluation to determine if the condition has improved.
If a Veteran exceeds income limits while on TDIU, they could face:
- Loss of TDIU benefits if determined employable.
- VA overpayment issues, requiring repayment of past benefits.
- Increased likelihood of a C&P re-evaluation.
How to Protect VA Disability Benefits While Working
Veterans who want to work while receiving VA disability benefits may need to take steps to protect their compensation.
- Monitor Income Levels: If receiving TDIU, keep earnings below the poverty threshold.
- Keep Medical Documentation Updated: Maintain medical records that reflect the ongoing severity of disabilities.
- Pay Attention to Notifications from the VA: Veterans need to respond timely to notifications from the VA regarding all employment matters.
- Document Work Accommodations: Veterans working in sheltered or marginal employment should keep records of accommodations and reduced responsibilities.
- Consult with a VA Disability Lawyer: Professional guidance can help Veterans understand how employment may impact benefits.
Understanding the rules around working with a VA disability rating is essential for protecting compensation. If guidance is needed on how employment affects VA disability or TDIU benefits, Berry Law is here to help. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can Veterans work while receiving VA disability benefits? Yes, unless receiving TDIU, which restricts substantial gainful employment.
- How much can Veterans earn while on TDIU? Earnings must remain below the federal poverty level (approximately $15,000 in 2024), unless working in marginal or sheltered employment.
- Will VA benefits be reduced if Veterans start working? Not unless a Veteran is on TDIU or the condition improves significantly, triggering a VA review.
- What happens if Veterans exceed the income limit on TDIU? The VA may reassess eligibility, potentially leading to a loss of TDIU benefits.
- Can a VA disability lawyer help Veterans keep their benefits while working? Yes, a Veterans attorney can advise on income limits, help protect against VA overpayments, and assist with appeals.
