Can You Work with a 70% VA Disability Rating?

Yes, veterans can work with a 70% VA disability rating, as compensation is based on disability severity, not employment status. However, those receiving Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) face income limits. Understanding compensation and employment considerations for 70% disabled veterans is crucial—working may offer purpose and income, but it must align with mental, physical, and benefit-related realities. Employment won’t affect compensation unless you’re on TDIU or undergo a reevaluation.

What Does a 70% VA Disability Rating Really Mean?

The VA gives you a 70% VA disability rating when your service-connected conditions show that your ability to hold down a job or keep relationships together is seriously limited—but maybe not totally wiped out.

We’re talking about things like:

• Major depressive disorder
• PTSD with panic attacks multiple times a week
• Severe anxiety affecting daily tasks
• Chronic pain that kills your productivity

This kind of rating usually comes from stacking disabilities that add up. Could be mental health mixed with physical injuries. And each case is different.

But here comes the real question of the day:

Can You Still Work with a 70% VA Disability Rating?

Yes. Working with a 70% VA disability rating is 100% allowed. The VA doesn’t say you’re banned from earning a paycheck just because you get monthly compensation. So if you’re ready to work—or need to—go ahead. Just play it smart.

Here’s where most folks get tripped up: The difference between Schedular Disability and Unemployability (TDIU).

If You’re Just Rated at 70% — You Can Work

If your 70% disability rating is a straight schedular rating—meaning you didn’t apply for unemployability benefits—there’s nothing legally stopping you from working a full-time job, driving trucks, running your own business, or anything else.

So again: Yes, you can work with a 70% VA disability rating.

But What About Unemployability (TDIU)?

If you apply for Individual Unemployability (TDIU)—which is meant for vets who can’t keep substantially gainful employment due to their service-connected disabilities—then no, you can’t earn over the poverty threshold and still qualify.

That’s a hard rule.

So if you’re collecting TDIU and you start making real money—above poverty wages—the VA could come knocking and reduce or cut off that benefit. Be smart about that.

Working While 70% Disabled: Pros & Cons

Let’s make this easy with a straight-up list:

Pros of Working with a 70% VA Disability Rating

• Extra income on top of your VA compensation
• Sense of purpose and structure
• Puts you around other people (less isolation)
• Lets you re-enter the workforce at your own pace
• You keep your benefits, unless you’re on TDIU

Cons (aka what to watch out for)

• If your condition gets worse, work could make that worse
• Bosses and coworkers may not get what you’re managing internally
• You might overdo it chasing that purpose and burn out
• If you’re on TDIU, working could cost you your benefits
• VA might schedule reevaluations based on income—rare, but it happens

Will Working Impact My Disability Compensation?

This one messes with a lot of people, so let’s clear it up now.

If you are only rated at 70% and not getting TDIU, then making money won’t affect your VA monthly check.

Compensation is based on your documented disabilities, not your employment status. You could be making six figures and still get that 70% pay.

The only exception to touch is when the VA thinks your condition is better than before and they send a letter saying “come in for a reevaluation.” If that happens, and they think you’ve improved, your rating might go down.

But this doesn’t usually happen unless you requested an increase and it poked the hornet’s nest. Be chill—don’t poke unless you’re ready for both directions: up or down.

What Kind of Jobs Can You Take with a 70% Rating?

Whatever you want, really. But a few types seem to click better depending on what you’re dealing with:

• Remote work: Flexible hours, less stress, comfort of your home
• Freelance/gig work: Control your hours, your pace
• Skilled trades: HVAC, electrician, auto tech—you’re moving but not drowning in corporate nonsense
• Entrepreneurship: You set the rules, build something that works for you
• Part-time positions: Get used to the grind on your terms

Don’t be afraid to test out options. The best job is the one that aligns with what your mind and body can handle today—not 5 years ago, not 1 year in the future.

FAQs: 

Can you work full-time with a 70% VA disability rating?

Yep. Unless you’re receiving TDIU benefits, you can work full-time, part-time, or run your own gig. No restrictions.

Does your compensation get lowered if you work?

Nope. Your VA disability pay stays based on your rating regardless of your income—unless you’re getting unemployability benefits (TDIU).

Can I apply for more benefits while working?

Yes. You can still apply for increased ratings or secondary service-connected claims. But just be mindful—more claims can trigger reevaluations.

What income limit applies if I’m on TDIU?

The poverty level guides it—about $13K/year for a single person (changes slightly year to year). Earn more than that? You’re probably not eligible for TDIU anymore.

Will I lose my VA healthcare if I work?

No way. If you’ve got a 70% rating, your healthcare is rock-solid, and employment has no effect there.

Work-Life Balance When You’re 70% Disabled

This part hits different depending on what you’re carrying, mentally and physically. So let’s keep it real. You’ve got to figure out if working helps you…or hurts you.

Some guys I’ve worked with say going back to work helped them manage depression. Others crashed hard because the stress flared up PTSD triggers.

What works for me might not work for you. Here’s how I break it down when talking to fellow vets:

• Start small—try part-time if unsure
• Use the Adaptive Work Program (if needed—ask your VA rep)
• Make sure your boss knows (if you’re comfortable) what you’re managing
• Protect your VA rating—don’t assume more money is worth losing it
• Don’t ignore mental health—working doesn’t fix what’s under the surface

And remember—you don’t have to prove anything to anybody. You already served. But if working gives you a sense of mission again? Go chase it.

More Veterans Are Finding Work Again—But on Their Terms

Veterans all over the country are building careers—some big, some small—while