Listing code
111.02
Children (Part B)
Body system
111.00
Neurological disorders (children)
Subsections
2
Lettered criteria paths
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Epilepsy , documented by a detailed description of a typical seizure and characterized by A or B:
Subsection A
Generalized tonic-clonic seizures (see 111.00F1a ), occurring at least once a month for at least 3 consecutive months (see 111.00F4 ) despite adherence to prescribed treatment (see 111.00C ). OR
Subsection B
Dyscognitive seizures (see 111.00F1b ) or absence seizures (see 111.00F1c ), occurring at least once a week for at least 3 consecutive months (see 111.00F4 ) despite adherence to prescribed treatment (see 111.00C ).
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 111.02. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 111.02 usually fail
One frequent failure is mixing up the seizure type: generalized tonic-clonic seizures must meet the "at least once a month for at least 3 consecutive months" standard under subsection A, while dyscognitive or absence seizures must meet the "at least once a week for at least 3 consecutive months" standard under subsection B. Another pitfall is counting seizures that occurred when treatment was not adhered to, since both A and B require the seizures to occur despite adherence to prescribed treatment. A third failure mode is missing the "detailed description of a typical seizure," even when the frequency sounds right. A fourth pitfall is treating imaging or EEG results as a substitute for the frequency-and-duration criteria, since the core criteria here are about documented seizure patterns over time and response to prescribed treatment.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
Medical evidence needs to document the neurological disorder and its effects, including medical history, examination findings, relevant laboratory tests, and results of imaging such as CT, MRI, and EEG, plus prescribed treatment and response to it. For this listing specifically, the record needs a detailed description of a typical seizure, and it needs to show how often seizures occurred and for how long, matching either subsection A (generalized tonic-clonic) or subsection B (dyscognitive or absence). Evidence that helps includes clinical treatment records showing prescribed treatment and adherence, along with records or statements that describe seizure episodes in a way that supports the required frequency and the "at least 3 consecutive months" timeframe.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If the seizure rate or the seizure type does not match subsection A or B, the claim can still be considered under the remaining steps used for child disability decisions, including functional impact and how limitations are evaluated. The practical effect is that many claims still get a later review based on functional severity rather than only whether the exact seizure frequency threshold is met. The strongest submissions usually still include the documented seizure history and the described treatment response, because that information feeds into how limitations are assessed.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
For SSDI work-related eligibility, the start of the process includes the rule that a child or adolescent generally cannot qualify under listings if the person is doing work at the level considered substantial. For epilepsy under 111.02, the listing criteria focus on generalized tonic-clonic seizures occurring at least once a month for at least 3 consecutive months (subsection A) or dyscognitive/absence seizures occurring at least once a week for at least 3 consecutive months (subsection B) despite adherence to prescribed treatment. If approved for benefits, the process includes trial work and then an extended period of eligibility for those who meet eligibility requirements after the approval.
Listing 111.02 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for epilepsy , disability claims.