Listing code
111.22
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
Motor neuron disorders , characterized by A or B:
Subsection A
Disorganization of motor function in two extremities (see 111.00D1 ), resulting in an extreme limitation (see 111.00D2 ) in the ability to stand up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use the upper extremities. OR
Subsection B
Bulbar and neuromuscular dysfunction (see 111.00E ), resulting in: Acute respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation; or Need for supplemental enteral nutrition via a gastrostomy or parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter. 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 <div class="wf-b
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 111.22. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 111.22 usually fail
A claim often fails when it focuses on general weakness without the specific 'disorganization of motor function in two extremities' and the required extreme limitation in standing up, balancing while standing or walking, or using the upper extremities. Another common failure is mixing up the criteria, like describing feeding problems without the exact B requirements for acute respiratory failure needing invasive mechanical ventilation, or the specific enteral or parenteral nutrition routes. Some claims also fall short because they do not connect the disorder to the functional consequences named in Subsection A, rather than listing symptoms without showing the required extremes. Finally, motor neuron disorder reports that do not clearly show whether the situation matches A or B can be hard to evaluate against the lettered criteria.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
Medical evidence is needed to document the neurological disorder and its effects, including medical history and examination findings, relevant laboratory tests, and imaging results. Treatment and response to treatment can also be part of the medical picture. For Subsection A, documentation needs to show 'disorganization of motor function in two extremities' and then the extreme limitation in standing up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use of the upper extremities. For Subsection B, documentation needs to support the specific severe outcomes: acute respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, or the need for supplemental enteral nutrition via a gastrostomy or parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter. Non-medical evidence can also be used, including statements about daily activities and restrictions.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If Subsection A or B is not met, the next step is functional equivalence, meaning SSA compares the overall impact on functioning to the level described by the listing. The medical and non-medical evidence is used to assess how the neurological disorder affects physical and mental functioning. If the neurological disorder results in more than just mental impairment, the focus stays on the effects of the neurological disease process itself. If a claim still does not match a listing, evaluation can continue under the rules for functional equivalence for neurological disorders.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
In the early disability process, work ability is evaluated under the SGA concept (substantial gainful activity) before an allowance can be made. For motor neuron disorders characterized by Subsection A or B, the criteria describe very severe motor disorganization or major respiratory or nutrition support needs, which often makes sustained work difficult, but SGA is still the gate for whether work counts. If approved, work can be reassessed during trial work and extended period of eligibility under SSA rules. The criteria include, for example, extreme limitation in standing, balance, or upper-extremity use (Subsection A), or acute respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, or tube feeding requirements via gastrostomy or central venous catheter (Subsection B).
Listing 111.22 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for motor neuron disorders , characterized by a or b disability claims.