Listing code
111.08
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
Spinal cord disorders , characterized by A or B:
Subsection A
Complete loss of function, as described in 111.00J2 , persisting for 3 consecutive months after the disorder (see 111.00J4 ). OR
Subsection B
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 persisting for 3 consecutive months after the disorder (see 111.00J4 ).
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 111.08. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 111.08 usually fail
A common failure mode is focusing on imaging findings alone and not documenting the required functional result for 3 consecutive months after the disorder. Another pitfall is mixing up the required "two extremities" requirement for Subsection B with a problem in just one arm or one leg. For Subsection B, it is also easy to miss the specific functional outcomes named in the listing, like standing up from a seated position and balancing while standing or walking, or using the upper extremities. Lastly, some records describe improvement before 3 consecutive months, but 111.08 requires persistence for 3 consecutive months after the disorder.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
Medical evidence needs to include the child's medical history, examination findings, relevant laboratory tests, and results of imaging, plus descriptions of prescribed treatment and response. Imaging can include x-ray, CT, MRI, and electroencephalography, and it needs to be consistent with current medical practice as a proper technique to support the disorder evaluation. Non-medical evidence can include statements about symptoms and restrictions, daily activities, and for an adolescent, efforts to work, which helps explain how the spinal cord disorder affects function in the real world during the 3 consecutive months required by Subsections A or B.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If Subsection A or B is not met, the claim can still be approved by using the functional-equivalence approach for neurological disorders. That means the focus shifts from matching the lettered criteria exactly to assessing the limitations caused by the neurological disease process itself. If the neurological disorder affects both physical and mental functioning, the physical and mental impact is evaluated using the rules that determine functional equivalence rather than only the 111.08 lettered criteria.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
For SSDI (Part B for children), work activity is not the main gate when the claim is based on medical listings, but non-medical evidence can include an adolescent's efforts to work if relevant. If approved based on a spinal cord disorder meeting 111.08A or 111.08B, continued eligibility and benefit continuation are handled through the standard post-approval work review process described for SSDI, including trial work and extended period of eligibility. The listing's functional thresholds focus on either complete loss of function persisting for 3 consecutive months (Subsection A) or extreme limitation tied to motor disorganization in two extremities (Subsection B), such as standing up, balance while standing or walking, or using the upper extremities.
Listing 111.08 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for spinal cord disorders , characterized by a or b disability claims.