[NEMDF]

If he only lived 3 hours after the fall, I am guessing (maybe incorrectly) that he was not conscious or able to sign things or communicate. If that is the case, he would not have had any intent, on his own, to sign up for the disability benefits. Also, there is quite likely a waiting period of hours to days that he would have to meet, after the injury event, before he would be actually eligible to receive benefits. His death just 3 hours later may not have allowed him to meet the waiting period.

[5th MEB]

Normally you have to have a medical panel check out your injuries and the extent of disability, this can take up to several weeks and multiple doctors visits.
Kind of hard to tell the panel that your injuries prevent you from continuing your standard duties and that you are no longer able to work.
Most DEAD people really don't have to much to say.
His work buddies and his wife were trying to scam the system, they were trying to commit what any reasonable person would call blatant FRAUD.
Sorry about the loss of her husband, but they should all be charged, tried, convicted and thrown into prison.