Listing code
11.17
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
Neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system, such as Huntington's disease, Friedreich's ataxia, and spinocerebellar degeneration , 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 11.17. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 11.17 usually fail
One pitfall is treating a diagnosis like Huntington's disease or spinocerebellar degeneration as enough by itself, without showing the lettered functional criteria (A or B) tied to the specific physical tasks and mental categories. Another pitfall is mixing criteria from different parts: A requires disorganization of motor function in two extremities plus 'extreme limitation' in standing up, balance while standing or walking, or upper-extremity use, while B requires marked physical functioning plus marked limitation in one of the mental domains listed in 11.00G3b(i) through (iv). A third pitfall is describing cognitive or mood symptoms without linking them to the specific mental functional areas named in B. A fourth pitfall is describing only mild or moderate limits in daily activities without matching the listing's 'marked' (for B) or 'extreme' (for A) level of limitation language.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
The key is documentation that shows how the neurological disease process impacts function, using the exact task-level targets in subsection A (standing up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, and/or use of the upper extremities) and, for subsection B, the combination of marked limitation in physical functioning (11.00G3a) with marked limitation in one of the mental domains (11.00G3b(i) to (iv)). The body-system material also makes clear that for neurological disorders that cause a mix of physical and mental limitations (such as Huntington's disease), the evaluation focuses on the limitations caused by the neurological disease process itself, not a separate mental condition that is not caused by the neurological disorder. Evidence typically needs to describe the functional impact, not just imaging or a diagnosis, because the listing focuses on functional limits in specific physical tasks and specified mental work-related domains.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If the situation does not match subsection A or B, the claim can still be evaluated under the general disability process based on residual functional capacity (RFC). Step 4 asks whether the person can do past relevant work despite functional limits. Step 5 looks at whether there is other work the person can do, considering RFC and vocational factors. Many claims that miss a specific listing still get decided favorably later in the process if the overall functional limits are severe enough.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
For an SSDI claim, work activity can be a barrier at the start if work reaches substantial gainful activity. Neurodegenerative disorders evaluated under 11.17 can produce disorganization of motor function and severe physical and/or mental functional limits, which may make sustained work difficult, but eligibility depends on how the limitations compare to subsection A or B (including extreme limitation for A and marked limitation for B). If approved, trial work period and continued eligibility rules apply after the approval, as they do for SSDI recipients.
Listing 11.17 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system, such as huntington's disease, friedreich's ataxia, and spinocerebellar degeneration , characterized by a or b disability claims.