You actually do have to exhaust your time in many companies and collective bargaining agreements. However, your short term disability can usually be collected simultaneously (minus any waiting periods which are either one or two weeks). This means you should be able to collect your regular salary for the days and times you have and the applicable disability benefit to get a double pay. Check with your state labor department about any recent decisions or policies on this issue but you may be required to take that time if PTO is also considered both your vacation and medical.