Listing code
13.20
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
Pancreas.
Subsection A
Carcinoma (except islet cell carcinoma). OR
Subsection B
Islet cell carcinoma that is physiologically active and is either inoperable or unresectable.
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 13.20. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 13.20 usually fail
A frequent failure mode is using the wrong cancer category, like treating an islet cell carcinoma as if the general carcinoma rule (13.20A) applies, when 13.20B has its own specific conditions. Another common pitfall is missing the islet cell-specific requirements for 13.20B, such as not showing that the tumor is physiologically active and not showing that it is inoperable or unresectable. A third problem is relying on records that do not clearly specify the type and site of the pancreas cancer, since medical evidence must specify the type, extent, and site of the primary, recurrent, or metastatic lesion. A fourth failure mode is when operative documents are expected but only one piece is provided, since operative procedures generally require both an operative note and a pathology report (or an accepted alternative summary when those documents cannot be obtained).
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
SSA needs medical evidence that specifies the type, extent, and site of the primary, recurrent, or metastatic pancreas lesion, so documentation should clearly identify whether it is carcinoma (except islet cell carcinoma) versus islet cell carcinoma. If there was an operative procedure such as a biopsy or needle aspiration, SSA generally needs both the operative note and the pathology report, since both are typically required for surgical sampling. If those documents cannot be obtained, SSA may accept summaries of hospitalization or other medical reports, but those records should include details of the findings at surgery and, when appropriate, pathological findings. In situations involving islet cell carcinoma for 13.20B, records should also support that the tumor is physiologically active and that it is inoperable or unresectable, because those are part of the lettered criteria.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If 13.20 does not fit, the claim can still succeed by using the standard disability steps that consider overall medical severity and lasting effects. SSA will look at the broader cancer evaluation approach in 13.00, including evidence that specifies the type, extent, and site of the lesion and how the cancer affects functioning after treatment (including post-therapeutic residuals when relevant). Instead of relying only on whether 13.20 matches the exact lettered criteria, SSA evaluates the residual functional capacity based on the full medical picture, including recurrence, persistence, progression, response to therapy, and any significant residuals when those are supported.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
Work activity is assessed when any SSDI claim is filed, and the allowance of benefits depends on meeting the disability requirements, not on the listing alone. For 13.20, SSA focuses on whether the pancreas cancer matches 13.20A (carcinoma except islet cell carcinoma) or 13.20B (islet cell carcinoma that is physiologically active and is either inoperable or unresectable). If approved, the usual rules apply for continuing eligibility after the trial work period and into the extended period of eligibility, while work attempts are evaluated under SSA's process.
Listing 13.20 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for pancreas disability claims.