If the claimant files an application for RIB before completion of the disability determination,
the DDS must process the disability claim to a formal determination because the benefit
amount may depend on the disability determination.
If the claimant dies while the disability claim is pending, DDS action depends upon
the earliest possible date of disability onset. If there is a possibility that you
can establish onset at least five full months before the month of death, then the
DDS must continue to develop the case and make a formal determination. If onset clearly
cannot be established at least five full months before the month of death (e.g., alleged
onset date (AOD) is within five months of death and the claimant performed substantial
gainful activity (SGA) until AOD), then the DDS clears the case to the FO as a no
determination. (See DI 23510.020.)