What is Individual Unemployability (IU)?

Individual Unemployability (IU) is a VA benefit that allows veterans to be paid at the 100% disability compensation rate if their service-connected disabilities prevent them from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment, even if their combined disability rating is less than 100%. Generally, eligibility requires either one service-connected disability rated at 60% or higher, or multiple service-connected disabilities with one rated at least 40% and a combined rating of 70% or more, along with evidence showing an inability to maintain steady employment due to service-connected conditions.