Listing code
11.09
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
Multiple sclerosis , 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 11.09. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 11.09 usually fail
One pitfall is mixing the A and B pathways, such as describing serious walking issues but not meeting the specific A requirement of disorganization of motor function in two extremities and an extreme limitation in the listed standing up, balance, walking, or upper-extremity use tasks. Another pitfall is focusing only on physical symptoms while missing B's structure that requires marked limitation in physical functioning plus marked limitation in one of the specific mental functioning areas listed in B. A third pitfall is listing mental complaints without tying them to one of the B mental areas (understanding, remembering, or applying information; interacting with others; concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or adapting or managing oneself). A fourth pitfall is describing general limitations without showing they rise to the extreme limitation (for A) or marked limitation (for B) thresholds referenced from 11.00D2, 11.00G2, and 11.00G3a/11.00G3b.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
Medical records need to show the functional impact from multiple sclerosis, not just the diagnosis. For subsection A, documentation should address disorganization of motor function in two extremities and how that results in an extreme limitation in standing up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use of the upper extremities (using the cross-referenced criteria at 11.00D1 and 11.00D2). For subsection B, records should support marked limitation in physical functioning and the specific mental functional category that is also markedly limited (understanding, remembering, or applying information; interacting with others; concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or adapting or managing oneself). Treatment notes, functional evaluations, and detailed reports describing both physical and mental functioning are the types of evidence that help most for applying the A-versus-B structure.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
When the exact A or B criteria are not met, the claim still goes forward under the general disability process using the remaining functional ability. SSA then considers what work-related abilities are still possible based on the effects of the neurological disease process. At that point, the decision looks at how the limits affect physical and mental tasks over time rather than only whether the specific lettered pattern in 11.09 is matched.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
For SSDI, the work-activity gate applies at the start of the claim, and the ability to perform substantial work activity depends on the physical and mental limits caused by the neurological disorder. If multiple sclerosis causes extreme limitations described in subsection A (including disorganization of motor function in two extremities with extreme limitations in standing up, balance, walking, or using the upper extremities), or causes marked limitations in physical functioning plus a marked limitation in one of the mental areas in subsection B, the limits may be difficult to sustain in work that requires ongoing physical and mental performance. After any approval, medical improvement reviews and work rules for continuing eligibility still apply, but the listing criteria focus on the severity pattern in 11.09 (A or B) rather than on a specific work earnings threshold.
Listing 11.09 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for multiple sclerosis , characterized by a or b disability claims.