Gaming $$ -- earned or unearned

Meet Jim

Jim Strickland is a Vietnam era Army veteran and nationally recognized expert on VA disability benefits who is also editor and webmaster of the popular VA Watchdog website. Jim writes extensively about VA and Social Security disability benefits. Jim is kind enough to answer questions from visitors on StatesideLegal.org here in Jim's Mailbag.

About Jim's Mailbag

Jim's Mailbag is a regular column where veterans, servicemembers, and family members can find answers about their VA and Social Security disability benefits. Although we are not accepting new questions at this time, you can browse all of the previous Q&As here and search Jim's Mailbag for helpful answers to your specific VA issue.

Question:

Is my gaming winnings earn or unearned income? Will it effect my TDIU? And do I have to report it? Thanks for your time. Army Dog out!

Jim's Reply:

The TDIU benefit only cares about income earned through gainful employment...a job. You can win the Lotto, earn money from real estate investments or selling your house or even inherit your fortune from poor old Aunt Tillie who left it all to you...and you'll continue to get the benefit.

PS from StatesideLegal: You can use the "Find Legal Help" directory to search for an LRS provider in your State and ask for a low-cost consult with a tax lawyer on how to report your gaming income for tax purposes.