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Social Security disability for peripheral neuropathy: Blue Book listing 111.14

Listing 111.14 is the SSA Blue Book criteria SSA uses for peripheral neuropathy 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

111.14

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

Peripheral neuropathy , 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 111.14. Last synced 2026-05-04.

Where claims under 111.14 usually fail

One frequent problem is treating the diagnosis as the whole requirement, instead of matching the listing's focus on disorganization of motor function in two extremities and an extreme limitation in the specific activities listed. Another failure mode is mixing up which tasks must be extremely limited, since the intro is specific about standing up, standing or walking balance, and upper-extremity use. Some claims also stumble when the record does not include the kind of medical plus non-medical evidence used to assess neurological effects, including examination findings and laboratory test results. Imaging and test results that do not tie back to the neurological disorder and its motor impact may leave the functional severity unsupported.

Medical evidence that strengthens this claim

SSA needs both medical evidence and non-medical evidence to document the neurological disorder's effects. Medical evidence should include the child's medical history, examination findings, relevant laboratory findings, and the results of imaging (examples named include x-ray, CT, MRI, and electroencephalography/EEG). Evidence may also include descriptions of prescribed treatment and the child's response to it. Non-medical evidence can include statements from the child or others about impairments, restrictions, daily activities, and (if the child is an adolescent) efforts to work. The record should connect the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy to disorganized motor function in two extremities and then to extreme limitations in standing up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use of the upper extremities.

What happens if your records do not meet this listing

When the criteria are not met, SSA proceeds to the steps used for functional equivalence. The goal becomes showing that the neurological disorder's limitations are as severe as the listing requires, using medical and non-medical evidence of the effects of the neurological disease process. Even if a specific listing is missed, the overall impact on physical and mental functioning can still be evaluated under the functional equivalence rules used for neurological disorders.

Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition

For SSDI claims, SGA work activity is considered at the start, and whether work can be done at substantial gainful activity levels depends on the child's real-world ability to perform sustained physical and mental work tasks. Peripheral neuropathy with disorganized motor function in two extremities, plus extreme limitations in standing up, standing or walking balance, and/or upper-extremity use, typically describes severe motor limitations that may make sustained work difficult. If approved, benefits then follow the usual process for children with approved eligibility, including any extended eligibility rules that apply after approval. How these rules play out depends on the child's functioning over time, not just the diagnosis label.

Listing 111.14 FAQ

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