Proving Eligibility for TDIU: The Key Documents You Need 

Posted by Berry Law on March 10, 2025 in TDIU

Securing VA disability TDIU benefits requires providing strong medical and employment evidence to prove that service-connected disabilities prevent a Veteran from maintaining substantial gainful employment. The VA carefully reviews TDIU claims, and insufficient documentation is a leading cause of denials. Understanding how to obtain the right records, including Nexus letters, doctor statements, and vocational expert opinions, can significantly increase approval chances. At Berry Law, we help Veterans gather the necessary evidence to strengthen their TDIU VA benefits claims. 

Medical Evidence Required for TDIU Claims 

Medical documentation is one of the most critical aspects of a VA disability TDIU benefits application. The following evidence helps prove that your service-connected conditions prevent employment: 

• VA and Private Medical Records – Treatment history demonstrating the severity of your disabilities. 

• Doctor’s Statement (Medical Opinion) – A written statement from your physician explaining how your condition prevents you from working. 

• Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam Results – Findings from VA-mandated medical exams. 

• Functional Impact Reports – Evaluations showing limitations in daily activities and job-related tasks. 

A detailed medical report should clearly describe how your service-connected conditions impair your ability to work full-time. 

The Importance of a Nexus Letter for TDIU Approval 

A Nexus letter is a medical opinion from a doctor that links a Veteran’s disability to their military service. This letter is essential when: 

• A condition worsens over time and leads to unemployability. 

• The VA questions the severity of an existing service-connected disability. 

• A secondary condition (e.g., depression caused by chronic pain) contributes to unemployability. 

A strong Nexus letter should include: 

1. A clear statement linking the Veteran’s condition to military service. 

2. Medical rationale explaining how the disability affects employment. 

3. Supporting medical evidence from treatment records and diagnostic tests. 

Want more information on Nexus letters? Check out our blog post on the importance of Nexus letters. 

Vocational Expert Opinions: Strengthening Your TDIU Claim 

A vocational expert (VE) opinion may significantly improve Veterans TDIU benefits claims by providing an independent evaluation of how combined conditions impact a Veteran’s ability to work. Vocational experts assess: 

• Physical and mental limitations that prevent employment. 

• Transferable job skills (or lack thereof) due to disabilities. 

• Impact of combined conditions on workplace performance. 

A VE report considers all of the Veteran’s service-connected conditions—in combination—to determine if the Veteran can maintain employment. During a C&P exam, for example, a doctor may only look at each condition independently of other conditions a Veteran may have, which can lead to incorrectly determining that a Veteran is fit for employment. 

Employment and Financial Records: Proving Unemployability 

To qualify for TDIU VA benefits, Veterans must show they are unable to maintain substantial gainful employment. Key records include: 

• VA Form 21-8940 – Application for TDIU, detailing work history and limitations. 

• VA Form 21-4192 – Employer records confirming termination or inability to work. 

• Social Security Disability (SSDI) Records – If applicable, SSDI approval can support a TDIU claim. 

• Tax Returns & Income Statements – Showing earnings below the federal poverty level. 

A comprehensive work history that aligns with medical limitations can significantly improve a claim. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting TDIU Evidence 

Many VA disability TDIU benefits claims are denied due to missing or weak evidence. Avoid these common mistakes: 

• Submitting vague doctor’s notes – Make sure statements specifically state why you cannot work. 

• Failing to link disabilities to employment impact – Provide evidence of daily functional limitations. 

• Lack of vocational expert input – A VE report can strengthen your case if the VA questions employability. Ask your TDIU attorney if this might work for your case. 

• Not including past employment history – A clear job history shows declining work ability over time. 

Providing strong medical, vocational, and employment evidence is key to securing TDIU VA benefits. If you need assistance with gathering documents or appealing a denial, Berry Law is here to fight for you. 

Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is the most important evidence for proving TDIU eligibility?

The most critical documents include doctor’s statements, Nexus letters, vocational expert opinions, and employment records. 

2. Do I need a Nexus letter for my TDIU claim?

If the VA disputes your service connection or the severity of your disabilities, you may need a Nexus letter. Consult with your TDIU attorney to see if this option is right for your case. 

3. Can I apply for TDIU without a vocational expert report?

Yes, but a vocational expert report may strengthen your claim by proving unemployability. 

4. What happens if my TDIU claim is denied?

You can appeal by submitting new medical evidence or requesting a Higher-Level Review or Board of Veterans’ Appeals hearing. 

5. How do I get assistance with my TDIU claim?

Contact Berry Law for a free case evaluation to make sure your claim includes the strongest possible evidence.