Listing code
111.12
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
Myasthenia gravis , characterized by A or B despite adherence to prescribed treatment for at least 3 months (see 111.00C ):
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: One myasthenic crisis requiring mechanical ventilation; or Need for supplemental enteral nutrition via a gastrostomy or parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter.
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 111.12. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 111.12 usually fail
A common failure is having myasthenia gravis but not documenting the needed severity pattern in subsection A (disorganization of motor function in two extremities) and its resulting extreme limitation in standing up, standing/walking balance, or using upper extremities. Another failure is treating the word 'extreme limitation' as a general description without showing the specific abilities listed in subsection A. For subsection B, a frequent miss is claiming swallowing and speech problems without documentation of either one myasthenic crisis requiring mechanical ventilation, or the specific nutrition support needs (gastrostomy tube enteral nutrition or central line parenteral nutrition). Finally, some claims overlook the time requirement that the criteria persist 'despite adherence to prescribed treatment for at least 3 months.'
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
Medical evidence should include signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings, along with medical history and examination findings, because SSA needs both medical and non-medical evidence to assess effects of neurological disorders. Include clear documentation of prescribed treatment and adherence for at least 3 months, plus the treatment response. For subsection A, provide exam or clinical documentation describing disorganization of motor function in two extremities and how it leads to an extreme limitation in standing up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use of the upper extremities. For subsection B, provide documentation of one myasthenic crisis requiring mechanical ventilation, or documentation of the need for supplemental enteral nutrition via gastrostomy or parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter, because these are specific threshold events/needs.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If subsection A or B is not fully met, SSA can still evaluate the child under the usual functional-equivalence approach used for neurological disorders under 111.00. This means the overall impact of the neurological disease process on physical and mental functioning is assessed using the functional limits from medical and non-medical evidence, not just the diagnosis label. The process involves looking at how severe the limitations are compared with the level needed for the listing criteria.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
At the start of any SSDI claim, work activity is evaluated under the SSA rules for whether earnings and work activity amount to SGA. For a child whose myasthenia gravis is severe enough to meet 111.12A (extreme limitation in standing up, standing/walking balance, or upper extremity use due to two-extremity motor disorganization) or 111.12B (mechanical ventilation during one myasthenic crisis, or gastrostomy/central-line nutrition needs), sustained functioning is often limited enough that the claim focuses on the medical and functional evidence rather than the ability to maintain work activity. If approved, eligibility rules then move into the normal post-approval process (trial work and extended eligibility concepts do apply for those receiving benefits), with continued attention to functional limitations.
Listing 111.12 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for myasthenia gravis , characterized by a or b despite adherence to prescribed treatment for at least 3 months disability claims.