Listing code
111.17
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
Neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system, such as Juvenile-onset Huntington's disease and Friedreich's ataxia , 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 111.17. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 111.17 usually fail
Many claims miss because they show a neurodegenerative diagnosis but do not show disorganization of motor function in two extremities that matches the functional areas named in 111.17. Another failure mode is treating ordinary balance trouble as enough, instead of addressing the listing's requirement for extreme limitation in standing up, standing or walking balance, or upper extremity use. Some submissions emphasize mental or behavioral effects from another condition rather than limitations caused by the neurological disease process. Others rely on one type of record without the mixed evidence SSA uses for neurological disorders, such as examination findings plus imaging results and relevant lab findings.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
For neurological disorders under 111.00 (including 111.17), SSA needs both medical and non-medical evidence. Medical evidence should include medical history, examination findings, relevant laboratory findings, and results of imaging tests such as x-ray, CT, MRI, and EEG when they are part of the workup for the neurological disorder; imaging must be consistent with proper technique and current medical knowledge. Records describing prescribed treatment and response can be relevant. Non-medical evidence can include statements describing impairments, restrictions, daily activities, and, for an adolescent, efforts to work.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If the extreme limitation or the two-extremity disorganization of motor function is not supported, SSA can still evaluate the case using functional equivalence rules for children when the neurological disorder affects physical and mental functioning. In other words, even without meeting 111.17 exactly, the overall impact on functioning can still be assessed through the child functional evaluation process. If other neurological listings in 111.00 fit better than 111.17, SSA may evaluate under those listing criteria instead.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
Work activity is a gate in the SSDI process, meaning the initial issue is whether the child is engaging in work at the level SSA uses to decide substantial gainful activity (SGA). If approved based on a neurological disease process causing disorganization of motor function in two extremities, the child can receive benefits, and the case then continues under the usual SSA program rules such as trial work and extended period of eligibility. The clinical focus here is extreme limitation in standing up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or using the upper extremities, tied to the neurodegenerative central nervous system diagnosis examples like juvenile-onset Huntington's disease and Friedreich's ataxia.
Listing 111.17 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system, such as juvenile-onset huntington's disease and friedreich's ataxia , characterized by disorganization of motor function in two extremities disability claims.