We establish the EOD of a period of disability on the earliest possible date based
on the medical and other evidence in the file. Establishing the earliest possible
EOD is important because of the following reasons.
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For DIB claims, the EOD affects the claimant’s entitlement to DIB, the amount of the
monthly benefit, and the benefit payment period.
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If we subsequently terminate the claimant’s disability benefits, the EOD of a period
of disability for DIB, or a disability freeze, affects later entitlement to title
II benefits for the claimant or his or her family.
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The period of disability established for the current DIB, or a disability freeze,
affects insured status for a subsequent period of disability, retirement or survivor’s
benefits, as well as the amount of monthly disability, retirement, or survivors benefits.
EXAMPLE: Jill filed an application for DIB benefits on October 19, 2011. Her alleged onset
date (AOD)/potential onset date (POD) is February 2, 2007. Disability Determination
Services reviewed the claimant’s medical evidence and found she had a central nervous
system vascular accident (CVA) on February 2, 2007. Because of the CVA, DDS found
the severity of Jill’s condition met listing 11.04.A. as of February 2, 2007. The
DDS establishes a February 2, 2007 onset date for a period of disability. Jill will
not receive cash benefits retroactive to February 2, 2007, as our regulations (20
CFR 404.621) direct that a claimant can only receive benefits for up to 12-months
immediately before the month in which a claimant files an application. Since Jill’s
application date is more than 12 months after the onset of the period of disability,
she cannot receive benefits retroactive to February 2, 2007. However, the February
2, 2007 onset date of a period of disability enhances Jill’s monthly benefit amount
for both disability and retirement benefits and may preserve potential future entitlements
to title II benefits for Jill and her family.