The claimant’s AOD is the starting point in establishing the established onset date
(EOD). If the medical and other evidence, and the entitlement or eligibility factors,
are consistent with the AOD, the AOD is also the EOD, the date we establish the claimant
first meets the medical, vocational, and other entitlement or eligibility requirements
for disability benefits. If there are non-medical factors present that prohibit the
disability examiner (DE) from establishing an EOD as of AOD (e.g., work after onset),
or could allow the DE to establish an EOD earlier than the AOD, if supported by the
medical evidence (e.g. an unsuccessful work attempt), the FO proposes a potential
onset date (POD).
For more information about the role of the POD when establishing an EOD, see DI 25501.220A.1.