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Social Security disability for muscular dystrophy: Blue Book listing 111.13

Listing 111.13 is the SSA Blue Book criteria SSA uses for muscular dystrophy childhood disability claims. Meeting it at step 3 of the disability evaluation approves the claim without further analysis of past work or other jobs in the national economy. This page covers what SSA looks for, the medical evidence the criteria require, and what happens if your records don't quite match.

Listing code

111.13

Children (Part B)

Body system

111.00

Neurological disorders (children)

Subsections

0

No lettered criteria

Step in evaluation

3 of 5

Listing match approves the claim

SSA listing text and criteria

Muscular dystrophy , characterized by 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.

This listing has no lettered subsections. The diagnosis itself, supported by the medical evidence described in the body-system overview, is what SSA evaluates.

Source: SSA Blue Book listing 111.13. Last synced 2026-05-04.

Where claims under 111.13 usually fail

A common failure mode is submitting records that show muscular dystrophy but do not document disorganization of motor function in two extremities. Another failure mode is mixing up symptoms with function, where reports describe fatigue or mild weakness but do not show extreme limitation in standing up from seated, balancing while standing or walking, or using the upper extremities. Some claims fall short because the non-medical side of the evidence is missing, so day-to-day restrictions (for example, how the child actually stands, walks, or uses arms) are not clearly described. Another pitfall is relying on incomplete medical workups when SSA needs both medical evidence (exam findings, relevant laboratory results, and imaging results) and non-medical evidence to assess the effects.

Medical evidence that strengthens this claim

Medical evidence needs to include medical history, examination findings, relevant laboratory findings, and imaging results, where the imaging findings must be consistent with current medical practice for supporting the disorder. Documentation can also include descriptions of prescribed treatment and how the child responded to it. Non-medical evidence matters too, including statements by the child or others about limitations in standing up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, and use of the upper extremities (with attention to how motor coordination is disorganized in two extremities).

What happens if your records do not meet this listing

SSA still has to evaluate the child's neurological condition and its effects. The evaluation can move to functional equivalence rules using the combined limitations from the neurological disease process itself. Steps 4 and 5 in practice mean the decision does not stop at whether the exact listing phrase is met; SSA can still find the child disabled if the overall effects are comparable in severity.

Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition

For SSDI, the work-activity gate applies at the start of the claim. If the child meets the listing criteria for muscular dystrophy with disorganization of motor function in two extremities and the extreme limitation in standing up from seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use of the upper extremities, SSA may approve based on that listing without needing to rely on functional equivalence. If the listing is not met, the claim can still be considered under functional equivalence by evaluating the neurological disease effects. After approval, SSA uses the usual continuing-eligibility rules for children, including any reviews tied to ongoing medical improvement and how the condition continues to limit function.

Listing 111.13 FAQ

Questions that come up repeatedly for muscular dystrophy , characterized by disorganization of motor function in two extremities disability claims.