Listing code
12.07
Adult (Part A)
Body system
12.00
Mental disorders
Subsections
0
No lettered criteria
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Somatic symptom and related disorders (see 12.00B6 ), satisfied by A and B: Medical documentation of one or more of the following: Symptoms of altered voluntary motor or sensory function that are not better explained by another medical or mental disorder; One or more somatic symptoms that are distressing, with excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to the symptoms; or Preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness without significant symptoms present. AND Extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following areas of mental functioning (see 12.00F ): Understand, remember, or apply information (see 12.00E1 ). Interact with others (see 12.00E2 ). Concentrate, persist, or maintain pace (see 12.00E3 ). Adapt or manage oneself (see 12.00E4 ).
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 12.07. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 12.07 usually fail
A frequent problem is skipping the 'not better explained' requirement for altered voluntary motor or sensory function symptoms, then treating any physical symptoms as automatically meeting 12.07. Another pitfall is focusing on physical discomfort while not documenting the required mental pattern: excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to the symptoms, or preoccupation with a serious illness without significant symptoms. A third failure mode is missing the functional part: the listing requires extreme limitation in one area or marked limitation in two areas of mental functioning. A fourth issue is misunderstanding the areas SSA uses, since the limitation must be in the four specified domains: understand, remember, or apply information; interact with others; concentrate, persist, or maintain pace; or adapt or manage oneself.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
Medical documentation should address the symptom pattern component in the A criteria, such as altered voluntary motor or sensory function that is not better explained by another medical or mental disorder, distressing somatic symptoms with excessive related thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, or preoccupation with acquiring a serious illness without significant symptoms. Documentation should also support the B criteria by showing extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, in the four areas of mental functioning. Evidence also needs to tie the limitations to SSA's four areas of mental functioning, since the functional criteria are those specific domains.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
To get through at steps 4 and 5, the claim still needs functional limits that affect work. After reviewing whether the listing criteria are met, SSA evaluates residual functional capacity (RFC), meaning what work-related activities can still be done despite the mental disorder. If the RFC does not match a listing level of limitation, SSA then considers whether the person can do past relevant work or adjust to other work in light of the RFC and vocational factors.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
For SSDI, approval usually starts only after the work-activity gate is cleared for the claim. SSA then evaluates whether the symptoms satisfy the A criteria for listing 12.07 and whether the B criteria are met, meaning extreme limitation of one or marked limitation of two of the four mental functioning areas (understand, remember, or apply information; interact with others; concentrate, persist, or maintain pace; adapt or manage oneself). If approved, work activity rules still apply after the decision through trial work and the extended period of eligibility, which can determine how long benefits can continue while working.
Listing 12.07 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for somatic symptom and related disorders disability claims.