Listing code
1.17
Adult (Part A)
Body system
1.00
Musculoskeletal disorders
Subsections
3
Lettered criteria paths
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint (see 1.00H ), documented by A, B, and C:
Subsection A
History of reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint. 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 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) ).
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 1.17. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 1.17 usually fail
A frequent failure is missing one of the three lettered requirements (A, B, and C). Another failure is treating the 12-month requirement as a general prediction about recovery time rather than impairment-related musculoskeletal limitation lasting or expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. Some records include surgery history but do not document the medical need for the specific devices named in 1.17C, or they document a different kind of help. Another pitfall is documenting a need for a mobility device but not tying it to a type that involves using both hands when the device is the wheeled and seated mobility option named in 1.17C.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
To satisfy 1.17A, medical documentation of the reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint is needed, along with a clear history showing that the procedure occurred. For 1.17B, the file should describe impairment-related physical limitation of musculoskeletal functioning and show that it has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 continuous months. For 1.17C, there should be documentation of a medical need for 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 step 3 (listing-level medical severity) is not met under 1.17, the case moves to a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment instead of stopping at the listing criteria. The RFC focuses on what the person can still do despite the impairment, based on the medical record. That RFC then determines whether the person can do past relevant work or other work. In many cases, even when the record misses a listing like 1.17C (for example, the specific mobility-aid need is not documented), the decision can still be made at the RFC and vocational steps using the overall functional picture.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
At the start of an SSDI claim, SSA considers whether work activity is performed at a level that indicates the ability to sustain work. For 1.17, the usual idea is that reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint is combined with impairment-related musculoskeletal limitation lasting at least 12 months and a documented medical need for devices such as a walker, bilateral canes, bilateral crutches, or a wheeled and seated mobility device involving both hands. If the claim is approved, trial work and extended period of eligibility rules still apply based on earning/work activity after approval, not on the listing criteria themselves.
Listing 1.17 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint disability claims.