The medical evidence obtained after death should be evaluated carefully to determine
whether the impairment allegedly causing disability may have been more severe than
shown by the evidence developed during the claimant's lifetime. The findings and diagnoses
made earlier may have been incomplete or incorrect; the impairment may not have been
diagnosed definitely; or an additional impairment not previously disclosed may be
found, for example, a gastric ulcer which turned out to be malignant. The additional
medical evidence, together with that previously in file, may justify a finding that
disability existed during an earlier period of time, possibly into the time period
of a prior denial or that disability continued in the case of a prior cessation even
though the impairment did not appear to be severe enough previously.