Is TDIU a compensation or pension benefit?

Jim,

Is TDIU considered a compensation or Pension benefit?

Thanx!

Reply:

TDIU is a disability compensation benefit.

Disability compensation is a benefit that may be awarded to veterans who have service connected disabling conditions.

Pension is a benefit that may be awarded to veterans who are totally disabled by conditions that are not service connected. This award requires that the veteran also fall at or below federal poverty guidelines. Age may play a part.

When a veteran completes the original application (the VA Form 21-526) for a benefit, the VA accepts it as an application for both compensation and pension. The determination is made then about whether the veteran is eligible for disability compensation or pension. As a rule, any veteran who has any service connected rating isn't eligible for pension.