Question:
Good afternoon. I am currently receiving TDIU and also Long Term Disability (LTD) benefits from a previous employer plan. Am I able to receive the LTD benefits in conjunction with TDIU or is receiving LTD benefits jeopardizing my TDIU benefits? If I am jeopardizing my TDIU benefits, please advise the best course of action. Thank you for all your support.
Jim's Reply:
The TDIU benefit is predicated on you not being able to hold gainful employment because of service connected disabling conditions. The only restriction to income is that income derived from gainful employment. Insurance benefits from another or winning the Lotto or an inheritance from poor old Aunt Tillie won't have any impact on TDIU.
However, I have to ask how it is that you're double dipping? If you're collecting a benefit for service connected disabilities, a civilian employer could object to paying you a benefit for the same disabling conditions if they learned you collected benefits from VA.
In any case, I don't see where you have any worries about the TDIU benefit.