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Social Security disability for small intestine transplant: Blue Book listing 5.11

Listing 5.11 is the SSA Blue Book criteria SSA uses for small intestine transplant disability claims. Meeting it at step 3 of the disability evaluation approves the claim without further analysis of past work or other jobs in the national economy. This page covers what SSA looks for, the medical evidence the criteria require, and what happens if your records don't quite match.

Listing code

5.11

Adult (Part A)

Body system

5.00

Digestive system

Subsections

0

No lettered criteria

Step in evaluation

3 of 5

Listing match approves the claim

SSA listing text and criteria

Small intestine transplantation (see 5.00G ). Consider under a disability for 1 year from the date of the transplant; after that, evaluate the residual impairment(s).

This listing has no lettered subsections. The diagnosis itself, supported by the medical evidence described in the body-system overview, is what SSA evaluates.

Source: SSA Blue Book listing 5.11. Last synced 2026-05-04.

Where claims under 5.11 usually fail

Many claims stumble by not providing the transplant evidence, like operative reports or other medical records showing the transplant occurred and when. Another frequent failure mode is assuming the listing requires lettered sub-criteria, but this listing has no lettered subsections, so SSA evaluates the diagnosis supported by the medical evidence. Some people also mix up different digestive disorders in this same body system and submit records that fit another listing (for example, gastrointestinal hemorrhaging under 5.02 or intestinal failure under 5.07) without a small intestine transplant. Finally, some claims miss the timing rule and do not plan for the change in evaluation after the first year from the transplant date.

Medical evidence that strengthens this claim

Medical evidence should cover both the existence and severity of the digestive disorder, using items like medical history, physical examination findings, operative reports, and relevant laboratory findings. Transplant-related operative documentation is central for showing the diagnosis and date of the transplant. SSA may also use laboratory reports (including imaging, endoscopy, and other diagnostic procedures), plus any clinical laboratory and pathology results if they are part of the medical record supporting current impairment.

What happens if your records do not meet this listing

Small intestine transplantation is considered for disability for 1 year from the date of the transplant. If the needed evidence for the transplant or the transplant date is not supported enough for that initial period, SSA will still evaluate the remaining limitations after the transplant. After the 1 year period, disability depends on the residual impairment(s), which means the focus shifts from the transplant event to the continuing functional and medical problems.

Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition

At the start of an SSDI claim, SSA applies the SGA work activity rule to determine whether work activity affects eligibility, before the transplant-specific evaluation is applied. This listing is then considered for disability for 1 year from the date of the small intestine transplant. After that 1 year period, the case moves to evaluating the residual impairment(s), meaning the ongoing digestive and related limitations, not just the fact of the transplant. Trial work and extended period of eligibility processes apply to those who are approved, but the key medical change here is the shift from the transplant date window to residual impairments after 1 year.

Listing 5.11 FAQ

Questions that come up repeatedly for small intestine transplantation disability claims.