Listing code
11.11
Adult (Part A)
Body system
11.00
Neurological disorders
Subsections
4
Lettered criteria paths
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Post-polio syndrome , characterized by A, B, C, or D:
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
Unintelligible speech (see 11.00E3 ). OR
Subsection C
Bulbar and neuromuscular dysfunction (see 11.00F ), resulting in: Acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation; or Need for supplemental enteral nutrition via a gastrostomy or parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter. OR
Subsection D
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 11.11. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 11.11 usually fail
One failure mode is stopping at "weakness" and missing the exact A targets, like disorganization of motor function in two extremities that leads to an extreme limitation in standing up, balancing while standing or walking, or using the upper extremities. Another failure mode is treating speech problems as sufficient without meeting the B wording of unintelligible speech. A third is not having the C severity medical facts, such as acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, or the specific feeding/nutrition pathway (gastrostomy or parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter). A fourth is trying to meet 11.11(D) without both parts: marked limitation in physical functioning and a marked limitation in at least one of the listed mental function areas (understanding, interacting, concentrating/pacing, or adapting/managing oneself).
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
The evidence needs to show the lettered pattern A, B, C, or D. For A, documentation should describe disorganization of motor function in two extremities and the resulting extreme limitation in standing up from a seated position, balancing while standing or walking, or using the upper extremities. For B, the record should support unintelligible speech. For C, the record should include the severity needed for acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, or the need for supplemental enteral nutrition via gastrostomy or parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter. For D, the record should support marked limitation in physical functioning and also a marked limitation in one of the listed mental functioning domains (understanding/remembering/applying information, interacting with others, concentrating/persisting/maintaining pace, or adapting/managing oneself).
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If 11.11 is not met under any of the lettered criteria A, B, C, or D, SSA still evaluates how the neurological disorder limits functioning using the residual functional capacity approach (RFC). The process then considers whether those limits still allow past work or other work. In many cases, a claim can still be approved later based on the overall functional picture even when the exact listing thresholds are not fully met.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
At the start of an SSDI claim, SSA looks at whether work activity is substantial and gainful (SGA). If work is above SGA, eligibility cannot be based on that time period. After an approval, SSA uses the usual post-entitlement rules for ongoing work activity, with continued eligibility supported by the normal trial work and extended period of eligibility framework. Functionally, 11.11 targets very high severity, such as extreme limitation in standing/balance/upper extremity use (A), unintelligible speech (B), or life-sustaining support like mechanical ventilation or feeding through a gastrostomy or central venous catheter (C), plus marked physical limitation with additional marked mental-function limitations (D), which often makes sustained work difficult, but SGA is still applied using the standard SSA work-activity gate.
Listing 11.11 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for post-polio syndrome , characterized by a, b, c, or d disability claims.