Listing code
1.23
Adult (Part A)
Body system
1.00
Musculoskeletal disorders
Subsections
2
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 an upper extremity (see 1.00N ), documented by A and B:
Subsection A
Nonunion or complex fracture of the shaft of the humerus, radius, or ulna, under continuing surgical management (see 1.00O1) directed toward restoration of functional use of the extremity. AND
Subsection B
Medical documentation of an inability to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work-related activities involving fine and gross movements (see 1.00E4 ) that has lasted, or is expected to last, for a continuous period of at least 12 months. Back to Top Support Contact us Find an office Forms Publications Report fraud Languages Español Other languages Plain language Services for Employers & businesses Government agencies Other groups Representatives About Careers Chief actuary data Communications Financial reports Initiatives Research & policy Social Security Administration <path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M15 30c8.284 0 15-6.716 15-15 0-8.284-6.716-15-15-15C6.716 0 0 6.716 0 15c0 8.284 6.716 15 15 15Zm-7.227-7.5h3.42V11.484h-3.42V22.5ZM7.5 7.98c0 1.094.887 2 1.981 2s1.981-.906 1.981-2a1.981 1.981 0 1 0-3.962 0ZM20.583 22.5H24v-6.052c0-2.96-.636-5.24-4.099-5.24-1.664 0-2.78.913-3.236 1.778h-.048v-1.502h-3.28V22.5h3.416v-5.455c0-1.436.273-2.825 2.051-2.825 1.753 0 1.779 1.6
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 1.23. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 1.23 usually fail
Many claims fail because Subsection A is not specific enough: the fracture must involve the shaft of the humerus, radius, or ulna, and it must be documented as nonunion or complex (not just a general fracture or a healing delay). Another common failure mode is missing the 'continuing surgical management' requirement, since the surgical management has to be directed toward restoration of functional use. Claims also fall short if the 12-month fine and gross movement limitation is not documented as inability to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work-related activities, because partial ability or missing the 'independently initiate, sustain, and complete' wording can matter. Finally, if the documentation supports an impairment but does not support the 12-month continuous period length, SSA may not be able to meet the duration requirement in Subsection B.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
The strongest evidence for code 1.23 includes medical documentation showing the fracture is a nonunion or complex fracture of the shaft of the humerus, radius, or ulna (Subsection A), and documentation that the person is under continuing surgical management directed toward restoring functional use. For Subsection B, medical documentation needs to describe an inability to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work-related activities involving fine and gross movements, and it must state that this has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. If the file lacks documentation that ties both Subsection A and Subsection B together, it is harder to satisfy 1.23 even when there is a significant upper extremity injury.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If code 1.23 is not met, the claim can still be evaluated under SSA's remaining steps for disability decisions. The key idea in those later steps is assessing residual functional capacity, meaning what work-related activities can still be done despite the impairment. Even when a person cannot meet the exact listing criteria, a decision may still consider how the documented limits affect the ability to do work activities over time.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
For SSDI, work activity rules apply at the start of any claim. SGA can be a barrier if the person is performing work at a level that counts as substantial gainful activity. For code 1.23, the criteria focus on continued surgical management for a nonunion or complex shaft fracture (Subsection A) and a documented inability to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work-related activities involving fine and gross movements for at least 12 months (Subsection B). After a decision is made, if benefits are awarded, trial work and extended period of eligibility rules can apply for those who remain otherwise eligible.
Listing 1.23 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for non-healing or complex fracture of an upper extremity disability claims.