Bill · H.R. 9135· House(119-HR-9135)
TDIU Reform Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/3/2026
- Last activity
- 6/23/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Keith Self
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability Reform Act of 2026 or the TDIU Reform Act of 2026. It amends title 38 of the United States Code to officially write the Department of Veterans Affairs' authority into law regarding disability compensation based on individual unemployability. The legislation outlines specific eligibility rules for veterans who cannot secure a substantially gainful occupation because of service-connected disabilities. It also sets up a review process for veterans who do not meet the standard eligibility criteria. Additionally, the bill introduces an age limitation and defines what constitutes marginal employment.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+6
The bill establishes clear statutory guidelines for individual unemployability compensation and protects marginal employment for eligible veterans.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+6
The legislation provides legal certainty and specific criteria for individual unemployability benefits for disabled veterans unable to secure gainful employment.
Does this help veterans get medical care?+5
The bill codifies and formalizes Department of Veterans Affairs authority regarding individual unemployability benefits for disabled veterans.
The opposite
Would people over 65 be better off under this?-4
The bill introduces an age limitation prohibiting individual unemployability compensation for veterans aged 67 or older starting in late 2026.
Would retired people be better off under this?-4
The inclusion of an age cap at 67 for new individual unemployability beneficiaries negatively impacts older retirees.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Official Codification of Benefits: Section 2 adds a new section 1170 to title 38, officially writing the Department of Veterans Affairs' authority to provide disability compensation based on individual unemployability into law, which clearly establishes the rules for veterans unable to work due to service-connected disabilities.
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Clear Standards for Eligible Veterans: Section 2, specifically subsection (b) of the new section 1170, outlines clear paths for veterans to be assigned a total disability rating if they have a single service-connected disability rated at 60 percent or more, or multiple disabilities with one rated at 40 percent or more and a combined rating of 70 percent or more.
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Review Process for Other Veterans: Section 2, through subsection (c) of the new section 1170, ensures that veterans who cannot work due to service-connected disabilities but do not meet the standard percentage criteria can still have their employment history, education, and relevant factors evaluated by the Director of Compensation Services for an individual unemployability determination.
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Protection for Marginal Employment: Section 2, via subsection (e) of the new section 1170, clarifies that marginal employment—defined as earning an annual income at or below the poverty threshold for one person, or working in a protected environment like a family business—will not be considered a substantially gainful occupation, protecting certain working veterans.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Age Limitations on Compensation: Section 2, through subsection (d) of the new section 1170, states that compensation based on individual unemployability cannot be paid to a veteran aged 67 or older if they first received this specific compensation on or after December 31, 2026, which cuts off this benefit for older veterans starting on that date.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+6
- Healthcare
- Improves Veterans Healthcare+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+6Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Retirees-4Good For Seniors-4
- 6/23/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- 6/3/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Introduced in House