Listing code
13.21
Adult (Part A)
Body system
13.00
Cancer (malignant neoplastic diseases)
Subsections
2
Lettered criteria paths
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Kidneys, adrenal glands, or ureters- carcinoma .
Subsection A
Inoperable, unresectable, or recurrent. OR
Subsection B
With metastases to or beyond the regional lymph nodes.
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 13.21. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 13.21 usually fail
One pitfall is focusing only on the cancer diagnosis without showing the required status, such as being inoperable, unresectable, or recurrent (13.21A). Another pitfall is mixing up where spread is counted, since this listing specifically requires metastases to or beyond the regional lymph nodes (13.21B), not just any distant spread described elsewhere. A third pitfall is missing the type and location details needed to match the site, because cancer evidence must specify the type, extent, and site of the primary, recurrent, or metastatic lesion. A fourth pitfall is relying on only one document when operative procedures are involved, because operative notes and pathology reports are generally expected for biopsies or needle aspiration.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
Medical evidence needs to specify the type, extent, and site of the primary, recurrent, or metastatic lesion for kidneys, adrenal glands, or ureters. For operative procedures such as a biopsy or a needle aspiration, documentation generally includes both the operative note and the pathology report. If those documents cannot be obtained, a summary of hospitalization(s) or other medical reports can be accepted, and the evidence should include details of surgical findings and, when appropriate, pathological findings. If the case hinges on 13.21A, evidence that the cancer is inoperable, unresectable, or recurrent is needed. If the case hinges on 13.21B, evidence documenting metastases to or beyond the regional lymph nodes is needed.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If 13.21A (inoperable, unresectable, or recurrent) and 13.21B (metastases to or beyond regional lymph nodes) are not met, the claim proceeds through the general cancer evaluation steps. SSA looks at the cancer's medically documented severity, including extent of involvement and any post-therapeutic residual effects, and then evaluates functional limits. In many cases, an individualized residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment is used to decide the disability determination even when a specific cancer listing is not met.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
At the start of an SSDI claim, SGA work activity is still a key gate. If the medical condition permits sustained work at SGA levels, the claim generally will not be approved based on disability. For people who do meet listing 13.21, SSA evaluates the work attempt history during the trial work period and then continuing eligibility during the extended period of eligibility.
Listing 13.21 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for kidneys, adrenal glands, or ureters- carcinoma disability claims.