The CDs covering the scenarios are CIS/2595/2003 & CH/0269/2006.
At face value, the argument is that if there is a retrospective period of "nil entitlement" that is the subject of an all-in-one decision at a later date, CIS/2595/2003 is authority for enabling such a decision to be lawful and for any continuing "benefit" to lawfully constitute benefit. For completeness, there are some (myself included) who believe CIS/2595/2003 may well NOT apply to HB/CTB as the legislative basis of HB/CTB is not the same as for other DWP benefits. This has yet to be tested (at least to my knowledge).
CH/0269/2006 would be applicable where a decision was made resulting in the end of benefit entitlement (whether by supersession or revision), then there is a gap, then an entirely separate decision is made starting benefit from a date that leaves a gap. In these circumstances, a "nil award" decision cannot be superseded - a new claim is needed to restart benefit.
Hope this is clearer to you than it immediately seems to me....
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