What is the primary purpose of VA Form 21-8940?

The primary purpose of VA Form 21-8940 is to request an increased compensation based on unemployability, also known as Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). This form is used by veterans who believe their service-connected disabilities prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment. By filling out this form, veterans can provide the necessary information to support their claim for this increased compensation, which is intended to recognize that even if a veteran's service-connected disability does not meet the standard percentage criteria for total disability, it can still render them unable to work.

The form requires details on the veteran’s education, training, and work history, as well as their service-connected conditions and how these impact their ability to secure employment. This comprehensive information aids the Department of Veterans Affairs in accurately assessing the veteran's situation and eligibility for benefits related to unemployability.

In contrast, the other options represent distinct forms or purposes within the VA's application processes, such as pensions, burial benefits, or automobile assistance, none of which are related to the request for increased compensation based on unemployability.