What are your experiences with VA individual unemployability (IU)?

2015-10-20T11:22:32-04:00

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides many benefits for veterans. One of the benefits for disabled veterans who are unemployable is Individual Unemployability (IU) which is equal to 100% VA disability rating in terms of disability income. I expect many disabled veterans are aware of this program while many others are not. This morning a Patient Advocate at Martinsburg, WV, VAMC submitted the paperwork for me to be included in the IU program. I was told it takes 4 to 6 months for the paperwork to process and the as of date for income is backdated to the month it was submitted. Are you included in the IU program? Are you eligible and not part of the program yet?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 20 at 2015 11:25 AM

2015-10-20T11:25:09-04:00

This morning I had an appointment with a Veterans Affairs Patient Advocate. He submitted paperwork for me to be included in the individual unemployability program. I expect to be receiving my full disability payment by March 2016, hopefully. I am thankful for this program.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Oct 20 at 2015 11:31 AM

2015-10-20T11:31:44-04:00

80% disabled and still functioning and contributing!!!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 20 at 2015 11:59 AM

2015-10-20T11:59:54-04:00

Sometimes the government can ruin a wet dream.

Response by SPC Nick Lai made Oct 20 at 2015 12:27 PM

2015-10-20T12:27:28-04:00

LTC Stephen F. VA always find a way to screw us (Veterans). I didn't know about the IU up until VA screwed me and I had to fought for it, with the DAV on my side the representative told me that there was a self unemployment (IU). I think it took the DAV less than 6 months to get the job done.

Response by SGT Sarah Hoyt made Oct 20 at 2015 1:35 PM

2015-10-20T13:35:17-04:00

I am rated at 50%, and just got a job. If it wasn't work study, I doubt I would be employed.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Oct 20 at 2015 1:45 PM

2015-10-20T13:45:00-04:00

I had put in for it when I was 90% rated. They moved me up to 100% during the same claim that I put in for IU and my heart valve (among other things). The only thing they do for IU, is pay you at 100% if you are not there already.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Oct 20 at 2015 6:33 PM

2015-10-20T18:33:38-04:00

LTC Stephen F. I am 100% statutory, but I was on IU previously. I'd be happy to discuss your case off line if you need help. Basically if you have a single item at 40% or greater, a cumulative of 70% or greater AND are unable to maintain gainful employment (read full time), you can apply for IU, which pays at the 100% rate. This also enables you to get your entire Pension under CRDP or CRSC assuming you served for greater than 20 years.

I was a service officer at DAV for a number of years, so I know the system quite well.

The date of claim (the date the VA receives your claim) is always the date of eligibility for benefits. Any claim that is awarded is paid back pay to the date of claim. Usually, you'll see the money show up in your bank account through DDS before you get the award letter from the VA.

The amount of time to process the claim depends on several factors including the complexity of your claim, whether it is fully developed (you have provided all evidence so the VA does not need to seek any), and what the VARO backlog is. In Seattle, it's greater than 18 months. If your VARO is running 4 to 6 months that's wonderful...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 20 at 2015 9:32 PM

2015-10-20T21:32:55-04:00

I am, but I will be reevaluated soon, and don't have a good feeling. Best of luck to you.

Response by SPC Jack Hunt, JR made Oct 22 at 2015 1:14 PM

2015-10-22T13:14:50-04:00

I have been on "temporary " IU for almost 3 years. I have no clue what the VA has in store for me. I'm just using the money to seek outside medical help while I have it.