What does Preamble of TDIU Reform Act of 2026 do?

This bill proposes to amend title 38 of the United States Code. The stated purpose is to codify the Department of Veterans Affairs' authority to provide disability compensation based on individual unemployability. The bill is referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

What does SHORT TITLE. of TDIU Reform Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability Reform Act of 2026.

What does CODIFICATION OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PAYMENT OF of TDIU Reform Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, to establish a new section 1170 concerning individual unemployability. A veteran may be assigned a disability rating of total if the Secretary determines they are unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities. To be eligible, a veteran must have either a 60% or higher service-connected disability or two or more disabilities with one rated at 40% or more and a combined rating of 70% or more. Certain disabilities, such as those affecting the same body system or resulting from a single accident, will be considered as one disability for eligibility purposes. The Secretary is directed to disregard non-service-connected disabilities and previous unemployability status when determining eligibility. If a veteran is deemed unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation but doesn't meet the eligibility criteria in subsection (b), a full statement will be submitted for review. Compensation for individual unemployability is not paid to veterans aged 67 or older, and this limitation applies to veterans who first received compensation on or after December 31, 2026. Marginal employment, defined as income not exceeding the poverty threshold or determined to be marginal by the Secretary, is not considered a substantially gainful occupation.

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TDIU Reform Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/3/2026 · Introduced: 6/3/2026

Author: Keith Self (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a new legal framework within U.S. Code for the Department of Veterans Affairs to determine disability compensation based on individual unemployability.
Veterans can qualify for a total disability rating if they are unable to maintain a gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities, meeting specific disability rating thresholds.
Compensation for individual unemployability will be restricted for veterans aged 67 or older who initially receive benefits after December 31, 2026.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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