Listing code
101.22
Children (Part B)
Body system
101.00
Musculoskeletal disorders (children)
Subsections
3
Lettered criteria paths
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Non-healing or complex fracture of the femur, tibia, pelvis, or one or more of the talocrural bones (see 101.00M ), documented by A, B, and C:
Subsection A
Solid union not evident on imaging (see 101.00C3 ) and not clinically solid. AND
Subsection B
Impairment-related physical limitation of musculoskeletal functioning that has lasted, or is expected to last, for a continuous period of at least 12 months. AND
Subsection C
A documented medical need (see 101.00C6a ) for a walker, bilateral canes, or bilateral crutches (see 101.00C6d ) or a wheeled and seated mobility device involving the use of both hands (see 101.00C6e(i) ).
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 101.22. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 101.22 usually fail
One pitfall is treating "not fully healed" as enough when 101.22A requires that solid union is not evident on imaging and also not clinically solid. Another pitfall is using a short timeline, because 101.22B requires impairment-related physical limitation lasting (or expected to last) for at least 12 continuous months. Another failure mode is missing the specific mobility-aid criterion in 101.22C, which requires a documented medical need for a walker, bilateral canes, or bilateral crutches, or a wheeled and seated mobility device involving use of both hands. A final pitfall is submitting evidence that shows one or two parts (like pain or limited walking) but does not connect the limitation to the 12-month duration and the specific aid requirement.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
Evidence needs to align with 101.22A, 101.22B, and 101.22C. For 101.22A, documentation should include imaging results showing no solid union (for example, "solid union not evident"), along with clinical notes that the fracture is not clinically solid. For 101.22B, medical records should describe impairment-related physical limitation from the musculoskeletal problem and show it has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 continuous months. For 101.22C, records must document a medical need for one of the specified aids: a walker, bilateral canes, or bilateral crutches, or a wheeled and seated mobility device involving the use of both hands.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If the medical situation does not satisfy one of the lettered criteria for 101.22A, 101.22B, or 101.22C, the claim can still be evaluated under steps that consider how the child functions. SSA will look at the child's residual functional ability rather than the diagnosis name alone, and determine whether the overall functional limits match the level needed for disability decisions. Often, claims miss because one required piece is missing, such as imaging support for lack of solid union or the specific mobility-aid need.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
Not all children who have this fracture will be able to do work activity in the same way adults do, and SSA does not use this listing to set SGA dollar amounts. For children, eligibility is based on medical criteria like 101.22A (no solid union on imaging and not clinically solid), 101.22B (physical limitation lasting or expected to last at least 12 continuous months), and 101.22C (documented medical need for a walker, bilateral canes, bilateral crutches, or a wheeled and seated mobility device using both hands). After an approval, eligibility continues as determined by SSA's rules for approved claims; the listing's functional findings remain the anchor for how the medical condition limits day-to-day physical functioning.
Listing 101.22 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for non-healing or complex fracture of the femur, tibia, pelvis, or one or more of the talocrural bones disability claims.