Listing code
11.22
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
Motor neuron disorders other than ALS , 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
Bulbar and neuromuscular dysfunction (see 11.00F ), resulting in: Acute respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation; or Need for supplemental enteral nutrition via a gastrostomy or parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter.
Subsection C
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) ). Support Contact us Find an office Forms Publications Report fraud Languages Español Other languages Plain language Services for Employers & businesses Government agencies Other groups Representatives About Careers Chief actuary data Communications Financial reports Initiatives Research & policy Social Security Administration <path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M15 30c8.284 0 15-6.716 15-15 0-8.284-6.716-15-15
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 11.22. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 11.22 usually fail
A common mistake is focusing on a diagnosis of a motor neuron disorder without matching the lettered functional pattern A, B, or C exactly. Another frequent problem is that people describe weakness but do not show the specific extreme functional limitation in standing up, balance while standing or walking, or using the upper extremities required by Subsection A. For Subsection B, incomplete focus on breathing or swallowing problems can miss the required threshold of acute respiratory failure needing invasive mechanical ventilation or the required nutrition access (gastrostomy for enteral nutrition or central venous catheter for parenteral nutrition). For Subsection C, claimants sometimes prove physical limits but miss the additional marked limitation in one of the specific mental/functional areas listed under 11.00G3b(i) through (iv).
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
To support Subsection A, medical evidence needs to document disorganization of motor function in two extremities and the resulting extreme limitation in one or more of the listed abilities, such as standing up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use of the upper extremities. To support Subsection B, the record needs documented bulbar and neuromuscular dysfunction with either acute respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation or a need for supplemental nutrition using a gastrostomy (enteral) or a central venous catheter (parenteral). To support Subsection C, the file needs evidence showing marked limitation in physical functioning (11.00G3a) and marked limitation in at least one of the specific functional domains under 11.00G3b(i) through (iv).
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If the criteria for A, B, or C are not fully met, the claim can still succeed later in the process by considering how the condition limits day-to-day functioning. The decision looks at residual functional capacity, meaning what activities can still be done despite the impairments, and then compares that to what work activities are possible. This is where someone whose symptoms come close to a listing can still be found disabled if the overall functional impact is severe enough, even without matching every lettered requirement.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
SGA is used at the start of an SSDI claim to decide whether any work activity is substantial and gainful. If work is above that threshold, the claim generally cannot be approved based on the file at that stage. For people who are approved, continued eligibility depends on whether medical improvement stops the impairments from meeting the criteria over time, and work after approval is handled under SSA's post-entitlement rules. For this listing specifically, the lettered criteria require very severe functional effects such as extreme limitation (Subsection A), invasive mechanical ventilation or feeding-tube type nutrition access (Subsection B), or marked physical functioning plus marked limitation in specific mental or behavioral domains (Subsection C).
Listing 11.22 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for motor neuron disorders other than als , characterized by a, b, or c disability claims.