Listing code
11.05
Adult (Part A)
Body system
11.00
Neurological disorders
Subsections
2
Lettered criteria paths
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Benign brain tumors , characterized by A or B:
Subsection A
Disorganization of motor function in two extremities (see 11.00D1 ), resulting in an extreme limitation (see 11.00D2 ) in the ability to stand up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use the upper extremities. OR
Subsection B
Marked limitation (see 11.00G2 ) in physical functioning (see 11.00G3a ), and in one of the following: Understanding, remembering, or applying information (see 11.00G3b(i) ); or Interacting with others (see 11.00G3b(ii) ); or Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace (see 11.00G3b(iii) ); or Adapting or managing oneself (see 11.00G3b(iv) ).
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 11.05. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 11.05 usually fail
One common failure is treating the tumor diagnosis as the whole issue, instead of matching the required effects under 11.05A (motor disorganization in two extremities with extreme limitations in standing, balance, walking, or upper-extremity use). Another failure is mixing the A and B requirements, for example describing mental or social limits without also showing the required marked physical functioning limitation needed for 11.05B. Another failure is describing partial problems in daily activities without the listing's specified severity level terms like 'extreme limitation' for 11.00D2 (for A) or 'marked limitation' for 11.00G2 and 11.00G3a and 11.00G3b (for B). Finally, some submissions miss the need for the problems to fit the lettered structure itself, such as omitting whether the limits are in the specific functional areas named in 11.05A or in the specific mental-function categories named in 11.05B.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
Use medical evidence that documents the functional limitations mapped to 11.05A or 11.05B. For 11.05A, documentation should connect motor disorganization in two extremities (see 11.00D1) to an extreme limitation (see 11.00D2) in standing up from seated, balance while standing or walking, or using upper extremities. For 11.05B, documentation should show marked limitation in physical functioning (see 11.00G3a) and marked limitation in one of the specified mental or behavioral areas: understanding, remembering, or applying information; interacting with others; concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or adapting or managing oneself (see 11.00G3b). Because the criteria are tied to functional limits (11.00D and 11.00G concepts), medical records should include observations and descriptions that match those named activities and categories.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If 11.05A or 11.05B is not met, the disability determination still has other steps. Step 4 looks at whether the person can do past relevant work based on residual functional capacity (RFC). Step 5 looks at whether other work can be done with that RFC; when the RFC reflects serious physical and mental limits, the ability to do other work can be reduced even if a specific listing is not met.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
Before approval for SSDI, work activity limits are considered under the usual SGA process. If the person is able to do substantial work despite the kind of extreme limitations in 11.05A (for example, standing or balance problems tied to extreme limits) or the marked physical and mental limits in 11.05B, the claim may be affected at that work-activity stage. After approval, trial work and extended period of eligibility rules apply the same way they do for other approved SSDI beneficiaries, regardless of whether the approval came under 11.05A or 11.05B.
Listing 11.05 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for benign brain tumors , characterized by a or b disability claims.