Listing code
1.15
Adult (Part A)
Body system
1.00
Musculoskeletal disorders
Subsections
4
Lettered criteria paths
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Disorders of the skeletal spine resulting in compromise of a nerve root(s) (see 1.00F ), documented by A, B, C, and D:
Subsection A
Neuro-anatomic (radicular) distribution of one or more of the following symptoms consistent with compromise of the affected nerve root(s): 1. Pain; or 2. Paresthesia; or 3. Muscle fatigue. AND
- Pain; or
- Paresthesia; or
- Muscle fatigue. AND
Subsection B
Radicular distribution of neurological signs present during physical examination (see 1.00C2 ) or on a diagnostic test (see 1.00C3 ) and evidenced by 1, 2, and either 3 or 4: 1. Muscle weakness; and 2. Sign(s) of nerve root irritation, tension, or compression, consistent with compromise of the affected nerve root (see 1.00F2 ); and 3. Sensory changes evidenced by: a. Decreased sensation; or b. Sensory nerve deficit (abnormal sensory nerve latency) on electrodiagnostic testing; or 4. Decreased deep tendon reflexes. AND
- Muscle weakness; and
- Sign(s) of nerve root irritation, tension, or compression, consistent with compromise of the affected nerve root (see 1.00F2 ); and
- Sensory changes evidenced by:
- Decreased deep tendon reflexes. AND
Subsection C
Findings on imaging (see 1.00C3 ) consistent with compromise of a nerve root(s) in the cervical or lumbosacral spine. AND
Subsection D
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 medical documentation of at least one of the following: 1. A documented medical need (see 1.00C6a ) for a walker, bilateral canes, or bilateral crutches (see 1.00C6d ) or a wheeled and seated mobility device involving the use of both hands (see 1.00C6e(i) ); or 2. An inability to use one upper extremity to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work-related activities involving fine and gross movements (see 1.00E4 ), and a documented medical need (see 1.00C6a ) for a one-handed, hand-held assistive device (see 1.00C6d ) that requires the use of the other upper extremity or a wheeled and seated mobility device involving the use of one hand (see 1.00C6e(ii) ); or 3. An inability to use both upper extremities to the extent that neither can be used to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work-related activities involving fine and gross movements (see 1.00E4 ).
- A documented medical need (see 1.00C6a ) for a walker, bilateral canes, or bilateral crutches (see 1.00C6d ) or a wheeled and seated mobility device involving the use of both hands (see 1.00C6e(i) ); or
- An inability to use one upper extremity to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work-related activities involving fine and gross movements (see 1.00E4 ), and a documented medical need (see 1.00C6a ) for a one-handed, hand-held assistive device (see 1.00C6d ) that requires the use of the other upper extremity or a wheeled and seated mobility device involving the use of one hand (see 1.00C6e(ii) ); or
- An inability to use both upper extremities to the extent that neither can be used to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work-related activities involving fine and gross movements (see 1.00E4 ).
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 1.15. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 1.15 usually fail
Many claims fail because they do not line up the nerve-root pattern in both symptoms and objective findings, even if there is back pain. Another failure mode is missing the specific neurological sign elements in subsection B, like muscle weakness and either the required nerve-root irritation/compression signs with sensory changes, or decreased deep tendon reflexes. Some people also meet A and B but not C, because the required imaging findings must be consistent with nerve root compromise in the cervical or lumbosacral spine. Finally, even when nerve-root compromise is documented, claims often miss subsection D, where the 12-month duration requirement and one of the detailed functional/assistive-device criteria must be documented.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
Strong documentation for 1.15 includes: a medical record showing radicular distribution symptoms (pain, paresthesia, or muscle fatigue) consistent with one or more affected nerve roots (subsection A); a physical exam and/or diagnostic test record showing the radicular distribution of neurological signs, including muscle weakness plus signs of nerve root irritation, tension, or compression, and sensory changes (decreased sensation or sensory nerve deficit on electrodiagnostic testing) and/or decreased deep tendon reflexes (subsection B, including the specific sensory evidence pathway); imaging findings consistent with nerve root compromise in the cervical or lumbosacral spine (subsection C); and medical documentation supporting a continuous 12-month duration plus one of the specific functional limitation pathways in subsection D, including need for a walker, bilateral canes, or bilateral crutches, or a wheeled and seated mobility device with the required hand-use pattern, or inability to use one or both upper extremities to initiate, sustain, and complete work-related fine and gross-m
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If the criteria for listing 1.15 are not met, steps 4 and 5 generally focus on how limited the condition leaves the person functionally over time, not just on whether imaging or symptoms exist. A typical path that still leads to approval is when the overall limitations (often called residual functional capacity) prevent the person from doing past work or doing other work that exists, even if the listing-specific details are not all satisfied. For claims over age 50, the medical-vocational portion of the decision process often weighs functional limits heavily when determining whether other work is realistic.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
At the start of an SSDI claim, the ability to do substantial work activity is evaluated before applying the listing 1.15 medical criteria. When listing 1.15 is met, subsection D requires a sustained limitation lasting at least 12 months and specific functional thresholds tied to assistive devices (walker, bilateral canes, bilateral crutches, or a wheeled and seated mobility device with the required hand use) or to inability to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work-related fine and gross movements using one or both upper extremities. After approval, the extended eligibility periods can apply for some people who qualify based on disability and later attempt work during the trial period; the key point is that the decision is based on the medically documented limits, including the nerve-root compromise picture from subsections A, B, and C plus the 12-month and functional limit (
Listing 1.15 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for disorders of the skeletal spine resulting in compromise of a nerve root(s) disability claims.