Listing code
5.06
Adult (Part A)
Body system
5.00
Digestive system
Subsections
3
Lettered criteria paths
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (see 5.00D ) documented by endoscopy, biopsy, imaging, or operative findings, and demonstrated by A, B, or C:
Subsection A
Obstruction of stenotic areas (not adhesions) in the small intestine or colon with proximal dilatation, confirmed by imaging or in surgery, requiring two hospitalizations for intestinal decompression or for surgery, within a consecutive 12-month period and at least 60 days apart. OR
Subsection B
Two of the following occurring within a consecutive 12-month period and at least 60 days apart: 1. Anemia with hemoglobin of less than 10.0 g/dL, present on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart; or 2. Serum albumin of 3.0 g/dL or less, present on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart; or 3. Clinically documented tender abdominal mass palpable on physical examination with abdominal pain or cramping; or 4. Perianal disease with a draining abscess or fistula; or 5. Need for supplemental daily enteral nutrition via a gastrostomy, duodenostomy, or jejunostomy, or daily parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter. OR
- Anemia with hemoglobin of less than 10.0 g/dL, present on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart; or
- Serum albumin of 3.0 g/dL or less, present on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart; or
- Clinically documented tender abdominal mass palpable on physical examination with abdominal pain or cramping; or
- Perianal disease with a draining abscess or fistula; or
- Need for supplemental daily enteral nutrition via a gastrostomy, duodenostomy, or jejunostomy, or daily parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter. OR
Subsection C
Repeated complications of IBD (see 5.00D5a ), occurring an average of 3 times a year, or once every 4 months, each lasting 2 weeks or more, within a consecutive 12-month period, and marked limitation (see 5.00D5c ) in one of the following: 1. Activities of daily living (see 5.00D5d ); or 2. Maintaining social functioning (see 5.00D5e ); or 3. Completing tasks in a timely manner due to deficiencies in concentration, persistence, or pace (see 5.00D5f ). Back to Top
- Activities of daily living (see 5.00D5d ); or
- Maintaining social functioning (see 5.00D5e ); or
- Completing tasks in a timely manner due to deficiencies in concentration, persistence, or pace (see 5.00D5f ). Back to Top
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 5.06. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 5.06 usually fail
Many claims fail subsection A by not showing stenotic areas in the small intestine or colon with proximal dilatation confirmed by imaging or surgery, and by not having two hospitalizations within a consecutive 12-month period at least 60 days apart. Others fail subsection B because only one hemoglobin or albumin measurement is provided, instead of anemia with hemoglobin less than 10.0 g/dL or albumin 3.0 g/dL or less on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart. Still others miss subsection B by not meeting the "two of the following" structure within 12 months, such as having perianal disease without a draining abscess or fistula, or having a tender abdominal mass without it being clinically documented and palpable along with abdominal pain or cramping. Subsection C claims often fail by not matching the timing pattern (repeated complications averaging about 3 times per year or once every 4 months, each lasting 2 weeks or more within a consecutive 12-month period) and by not showing marked limitation in activities of daily living, maintaining social functioning, or completing/t​
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
For any subsection, documentation needs to support both the IBD diagnosis and the severity criteria. The listing requires IBD documented by endoscopy, biopsy, imaging, or operative findings, so records should include the report language from those tests and related operative details. For subsection A, documentation should reflect confirmed obstruction of stenotic areas (not adhesions) in the small intestine or colon with proximal dilatation, with confirmation by imaging or surgery, plus dates showing two hospitalizations for decompression or surgery within a consecutive 12-month period and at least 60 days apart. For subsection B, documentation needs objective or clinically recorded items, including hemoglobin results showing less than 10.0 g/dL on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart, serum albumin results showing 3.0 g/dL or less on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart, or a clinician exam noting a tender abdominal mass palpable with abdominal pain or cramping. For perianal disease, documentation should state a draining abscess or fistula. For nutrition needs,
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If criteria in 5.06 A, B, or C are not fully met, the claim can still proceed using step 4 and step 5 thinking based on residual functional capacity. The listing's role is to define a specific severity pattern, but if that pattern is not matched, the decision can still evaluate how the digestive disorder limits work-related abilities. For many people, especially as age increases, limitations that persist despite treatment can carry more weight in step 5 even when the exact listing thresholds are missed.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
At the start of an SSDI claim, work activity must be below the SSA substantial gainful activity (SGA) level to count toward eligibility. For IBD under 5.06, the criteria focus on bowel obstruction needing two hospital-level episodes, repeated objective or exam findings like hemoglobin or albumin thresholds, repeated need for nutrition support, draining perianal abscess or fistula, or repeated complications tied to marked limitation in activities of daily living, social functioning, or task completion due to deficiencies in concentration, persistence, or pace. After approval, trial work period rules allow continued engagement in work activity, and then eligibility can continue for an extended period depending on the work outcome.
Listing 5.06 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for inflammatory bowel disease (ibd) disability claims.