TDIU and modest work

Question:

I recently received VA  unemployability in 2019, and was not working.  Coming in March 2020, I will work part time 8 hours in total, one day a week, at $11/hr or about $352 per month.  Do I need to tell the VA or fill a VA Form 21-4140 or Form VA 21-4140-1? And if so,  do I need to send it myself to the VA at the end of the year or when I start working, or will the VA will send it to me once I start working or at the end of the year?  What will happen after I start working in March 2020?   I hear there is a new system of data matching with social security, can you explain it based on my questions above... Thanks, Helen.

Jim's Reply:

The TDIU benefit is awarded when our disabling conditions don't allow us to work at gainful employment. Gainful employment is that which earns us more than the federal poverty wage level. We are allowed to work at marginal employment which earns less than the poverty wage.

VA will have a look at your taxes as time goes on to make sure you aren't earning too much money. You don't have to complete a 4140 any longer, VA does the work for you. Your job should be fine, I doubt VA will pay any attention.