VA TDIU in Iowa: Individual Unemployability 2026 Guide
Quick Answer
TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) pays at the 100% rate — $3,938.58/month — even if your combined rating is below 100%. In Iowa, TDIU claims are processed through the Des Moines VA Regional Office in an average of 72 days.
TDIU Pay Rates in 2026
| Status | Monthly Payment | Annual Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran Alone | $3,938.58 | $47,263 |
| With Spouse | $4,158.17 | $49,898 |
TDIU Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for TDIU in Iowa, you must meet one of these criteria:
- Single condition — One service-connected condition rated at 60% or higher
- Multiple conditions — Combined rating of 70% or higher, with at least one condition rated 40% or higher
- Extraschedular TDIU — Even if you do not meet the rating thresholds, you may qualify if your conditions clearly prevent gainful employment
Filing TDIU in Iowa
File VA Form 21-8940 (Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability) with the Des Moines VA Regional Office. Include:
- Employment history for the past 5 years
- Medical evidence showing how your conditions prevent work
- A statement from your doctor explaining why you cannot maintain substantially gainful employment
- Buddy statements from former employers or coworkers
Iowa TDIU Processing
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regional Office | Des Moines VA Regional Office |
| Address | 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 |
| Phone | 800-827-1000 |
| Avg. Processing Time | 72 days |
| BVA Grant Rate | 32.8% |
TDIU vs. 100% Schedular Rating
TDIU pays the same monthly amount as a 100% schedular rating ($3,938.58/month). The key difference is that TDIU is based on unemployability, while a 100% schedular rating is based on the severity of your conditions alone. Both qualify you for the same state benefits in Iowa, including 100% disabled veterans exempt from property taxes.
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