Listing code
11.07
Adult (Part A)
Body system
11.00
Neurological disorders
Subsections
3
Lettered criteria paths
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Cerebral palsy , characterized by A, B, or C:
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) ). OR
Subsection C
Significant interference in communication due to speech, hearing, or visual deficit (see 11.00E2 ).
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 11.07. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 11.07 usually fail
One pitfall is focusing only on diagnosis without tying the effects to subsection A, B, or C (for example, describing gait problems but not showing the extreme limitations described in subsection A). Another pitfall is mixing up the B structure, which requires marked limitation in physical functioning plus marked limitation in one specific mental/functional domain (understanding, interacting, concentrating/persisting/maintaining pace, or adapting/managing oneself). A third pitfall is underestimating the specificity of subsection C: it is not just "communication problems," it requires significant interference in communication due to a speech, hearing, or visual deficit. A fourth pitfall is assuming subsection A is automatically met if there is weakness or spasticity; subsection A is about disorganization of motor function in two extremities with extreme limitation in standing up from a seated position, standing or walking balance, or using upper extremities.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
The criteria are written to be matched to clinical findings, so the strongest documentation aligns with the lettered effects. For subsection A, look for medical evidence showing disorganization of motor function in two extremities and extreme limitation in standing up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use of upper extremities (as referenced by 11.00D1 and 11.00D2). For subsection B, the medical evidence needs marked limitation in physical functioning (referenced by 11.00G2 and 11.00G3a) and marked limitation in one of the listed mental/functional areas (11.00G3b(i) through (iv)). For subsection C, the documentation should show significant interference in communication and connect it to a speech, hearing, or visual deficit (referenced by 11.00E2). Functional reports and exam findings that describe day-to-day limitations in those specific areas are particularly important because the listing uses functional language.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If the criteria for 11.07 do not match exactly, the claim does not automatically end. Next steps use the residual functional capacity (RFC) to describe what can still be done despite cerebral palsy-related limitations. If the RFC still allows enough work, the claim may be denied; if it shows limitations are severe enough, vocational considerations can lead to approval.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
At the start of an SSDI claim, work activity requirements are applied before benefits are decided. If performing substantial work is possible despite the limitations described in 11.07 (for example, the extreme limitation pattern in subsection A or the marked physical plus marked mental/functional limitations in subsection B), continued eligibility can be affected. If a claim is approved, trial work period and extended period of eligibility rules apply like they do for other SSDI approvals, and ongoing eligibility depends on work activity during those periods.
Listing 11.07 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for cerebral palsy , characterized by a, b, or c disability claims.