Get an Independent Opinion on Your Ability to Work.
A vocational assessment gives the VA an independent, documented analysis of your ability to work. The VA decides your claim; no outcome is guaranteed.
We know the VA process is exhausting. Our job is to make this part simple — one structured interview, a clear report, and a straightforward path to submission.
What is TDIU?
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) allows veterans to receive VA disability compensation at the 100% rate — even when their combined rating falls below 100% — if their service-connected conditions prevent substantially gainful employment.
The VA's standard question: Can you maintain substantially gainful employment? If your service-connected conditions make that impossible or unrealistic, TDIU may be warranted.
Rating minimums: Generally one condition at 60%+, or a combined rating of 70%+ with at least one condition at 40%. Extraschedular grants are also available under § 4.16(b) when circumstances warrant it.
The gap the VA doesn't fill
The VA makes its own employability determination — but often without a vocational specialist. That determination may be based on a general reading of your records rather than a systematic analysis of what jobs you could realistically perform given your specific limitations.
An independent vocational review provides a documented, methodologically sound analysis connecting your limitations to real-world occupational demands and labor market data.
Assessments are conducted by Jackie Schabacker, MA, CRC, LPC — an independent vocational expert focused on VA TDIU claims.
Get a Free ConsultationWhat happens in a vocational assessment
Every assessment follows the same structured process to produce clear, well-supported conclusions.
Records Review
We review your VA rating decisions, service medical records, and relevant treatment notes. We're looking at the limitations that are already established — pain levels, functional restrictions, medication side effects, cognitive impacts.
Work and Education History
We clarify your past relevant work, education, and training — the foundation for analyzing transferable skills and the types of jobs you could realistically perform.
Structured Vocational Interview
A 60–75 minute remote interview covers your current functional capacity, daily activities, pain patterns, and how your conditions affect your ability to work. This is conducted professionally and at your pace — by phone or secure video, with no travel required. We serve veterans in all 50 states; you do not need a vocational expert near you. Learn about nationwide service or review the full process and pricing.
Labor Market Analysis
Using DOT job classifications, O*NET functional demands, and current labor statistics, we analyze whether the national job base is sufficiently eroded by your limitations.
Written Report Delivery
A clear, cited report states our findings and conclusions. Methods are explained step by step so the VA rater or BVA judge can follow the reasoning. Delivered within 5–7 business days once we have both your records and your completed interview.
Flat fee — no surprises
Complex or expedited cases may require a custom quote. We'll confirm scope during the initial fit check call.
- Records review and intake
- Structured vocational interview (60–75 min, remote)
- Transferable skills analysis
- Labor market and job base erosion analysis
- Written report with methodology and citations
- Delivery in 5–7 business days
Add-ons available: Rush delivery · Supplemental declarations
Free Case Fit Assessment
Before you commit, we review your situation to confirm a vocational opinion will actually strengthen your claim — at no charge.
Records & File Review
We analyze your VA file, service records, medical history, and documented work limitations to build a complete occupational picture.
Structured Vocational Interview
A focused 60–75 minute interview conducted remotely. We document your functional limitations, work history, and transferable skills in your own words.
Transferable Skills Analysis
We identify what jobs, if any, your skills and education qualify you for — and document why your service-connected conditions eliminate those options.
Labor Market Analysis
We research current occupational data using DOT classifications and O*NET to determine whether suitable work actually exists for someone with your specific limitations.
Written Vocational Opinion Report
A formally structured, citation-supported report designed for submission to VA, BVA, or CAVC — delivered in 5–7 business days once we have both your records and the completed interview.
A successful TDIU claim pays for this many times over.
Veterans approved for TDIU receive compensation at the 100% disability rate — regardless of their combined rating. For a veteran with no dependents, that is $3,938.58 a month, tax-free (VA rate effective December 1, 2025), and more with a spouse or children.
A $1,599 assessment represents less than five weeks of that benefit. If your claim is granted, the evaluation cost is recovered quickly; a grant is not guaranteed.
We don't pressure anyone. We share this because you deserve to make a fully informed decision.