Albert & Fellow Veterans,
        As a former Veterans Service Representative for the Department of Veterans Affairs, I can offer some insight into the topic in the attached email.
       First and foremost, there are three separate types of benefits that are given to veterans rated at 100%.  The first is straight forward, if, you as a veteran either have a single contention rated at 100% or a combined rating of 100% considered "permanent and total", then there are no restrictions as to employment and salary.  For example, you receive your rating, and you are considered permanently and totally disabled and rated at 100%, then you apply for a job, that let's say, pays you $1,000,000.00 dollars a year.  As long as you aren't performing tasks that would contradict a specific service connected contention, then you are able to receive your monetary compensation and benefits at the 100% level.
      The second type of benefit for veterans rated at 100% is called "Individual Unemployability", this rating is a bit trickier.  This is not meant to be a permanent rating, initially.  Individual Unemployability (we'll call it IU), is meant for veterans who have a single contention or combined contentions (service-connected) that is considered to be temporary and will improve through a surgery, operation, counseling, etc.  Once the disability improves, the 100% rating is removed and re-evaluated.
      There is regulations regarding IU and the amount of money you are ALLOWED to make while receiving this benefit.  It reads something to the effect of "The individual, due to a service-connected disability is unable to maintain "gainful" employment."  What this means is IU is there to alleviate financial hardships while a veteran undergoes treatment or until the disability improves.  There is a cap on what a veteran can make while receiving this benefit, to date, I believe it is around $10,200 dollars per year.  I would have to do a little research to get the specific amount.  I apologize, I am writing this email off the top of my head.  EACH YEAR YOUR IU STATUS IS RE-EVALUATED.
      The third scenario involves surgeries/operations involving service-connected contentions that require convalescent type leave.  The VA will approve the 100% rate while recovering from one of the two scenarios (surgery/operation).  I am not as well versed on this benefit, however I am able to scroll through the CFR's (Federal Regulations regarding Veterans and Benefits) if someone needs assistance.
      I hope and pray that this helps at least one veteran!  If you have any questions, or need assistance, please contact me.
 
Sincerely, "Airborne",
Christopher E. Harris