Many veterans who receive VA disability benefits ask an important question: “Can I still work and keep my VA compensation?” The answer depends on a few key factors, including your disability rating, the type of benefits you receive, and the nature of the work you’re considering.
Let’s break it down.
VA Disability Compensation vs. VA Pension
First, it’s important to understand the difference:
- VA Disability Compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to veterans with service-connected disabilities. If this is what you’re receiving, you generally can work without it affecting your payments—unless you are rated as “100% disabled” (more on that below).
- VA Pension, on the other hand, is a needs-based benefit for low-income wartime veterans who are elderly or totally disabled. If you’re receiving a pension, any income from work could reduce or eliminate your eligibility.
What If You Have a 100% Disability Rating?
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If you have a 100% “Schedular” rating (meaning each of your service-connected disabilities added up to 100%), you can still work. However, if your 100% rating is based on Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)—a special designation given when you’re unable to maintain substantially gainful employment—working could jeopardize your benefits.
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Veterans receiving TDIU must generally not engage in “substantially gainful” employment, defined as work that earns above the federal poverty threshold (around $15,000 annually for an individual). Some part-time or sheltered employment may be allowed, but it’s a gray area that should be approached carefully.
What About Secondary Conditions and Worsening Disabilities?
Many veterans return to work part-time only to find that their conditions worsen. If your health changes, you might be eligible for an increased rating—even while working. This is where tracking your symptoms and staying connected to your medical providers is key.
A Few Cautions
- Always report income if you’re receiving VA Pension or TDIU.
- Don’t assume your benefits are safe if you return to full-time work while rated as unemployable.
- If you’re considering going back to work and unsure how it might affect your benefits, it’s worth speaking with a VA-accredited attorney.
The good news? Most veterans receiving standard VA disability compensation can return to work without losing their benefits. But every situation is unique, especially when TDIU or VA Pension is involved.
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we’ve helped thousands of veterans navigate these exact questions. If you or someone you know is unsure about how work might affect their disability benefits, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.
Call us at 800-562-9830
Or contact us online: DisabilityDenials.com
