Hi Jim,

First off, thank you so much for what you do! I've read several of your articles now and have found them very useful.

What I haven't been able to find is a precise dollar amount that is spoken of when the VA says "marginal gainful employment". I've recently be granted IU and am going out of my mind with boredom not working or going to school. I would like to work a tiny bit just to break up my days. Exactly how much am I able to earn without blowing my entitlement to IU?

Reply:

Marginal employment is generally deemed to exist when a veteran's earned income does not exceed the amount established by the U.S.

Census Bureau as the poverty level for the veteran only (not the total household income).

https://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/data/threshld/

It isn't a precise number and is subject to interpretation.

Details are here:

http://www.benefits.va.gov/WARMS/docs/admin21/m21_1/mr/part4/subptii/ch02/M21-1MRIV_ii_2_secF.doc

If you aren't driven to work for the income, consider volunteering at your local VA hospital or clinic. I did for years and it's one of the most rewarding things I've done.

http://www.volunteer.va.gov/