Adjudicators rely on the field office to determine the POD as an alert to guide case
development. The POD is the earliest possible date the onset of disability can be
established, based on non-medical factors. It may be the same as, earlier than, or
later than the AOD. When medical evidence supports a determination of an allowance,
the POD also provides the adjudicator with the earliest possible date to consider
when establishing the established onset date (EOD) based on non-medical factors. Curtail
POD development in the following situations:
1. No DDS determination required
Do not provide a POD for a Title II technical denial or any other claim that does
not require a DDS determination.
For example, curtail POD development if:
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a.
The disability insurance benefits (DIB) claimant clearly does not meet disability
insured status as of the alleged onset date (AOD) or later, and you cannot establish
a POD before the DLI because of SGA-level work activity or other non-medical factors;
or
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b.
The DIB claimant has never been insured for DIB benefits based on information on the
earnings record and any lag earnings; or
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c.
The disabled widow(er)’s benefits (DWB) claimant's AOD is after the end of the prescribed
period; or
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d.
The childhood disability benefits (CDB) claimant's AOD is after age 22 or after expiration
of the reentitlement period.
2. CDB claimant alleged onset prior to age 18
If the claimant’s AOD was prior to the last day of the month before he or she attained
age 18, and the claimant did not subsequently perform substantial gainful activity
(SGA), do not develop a precise POD. In this situation, the POD is the last day of
the month before the claimant attained age 18 and meets all the non-medical requirements.
For title XVI claims, do not document a POD if it is the same as the filing or protective
filing date unless the claimant performed SGA after the filing or protective filing
date. See DI 25501.220 C.1.a.