Listing code
11.08
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
Spinal cord disorders , characterized by A, B, or C:
Subsection A
Complete loss of function, as described in 11.00M2 , persisting for 3 consecutive months after the disorder (see 11.00M4 ). OR
Subsection B
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 persisting for 3 consecutive months after the disorder (see 11.00M4 ). OR
Subsection C
Marked limitation (see 11.00G2 ) in physical functioning (see 11.00G3a ) and in one of the following areas of mental functioning, both persisting for 3 consecutive months after the disorder (see 11.00M4 ): 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 11.08. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 11.08 usually fail
Many claims miss because they do not show the 3 consecutive months of persistence after the disorder, which is required in 11.08A, 11.08B, and 11.08C. Another common failure is trying to qualify under 11.08B without the specific combination of disorganization of motor function in two extremities and extreme limitation in standing up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or using the upper extremities. Claims can also fail if the mental limitations are not tied to one of the specific mental areas listed in 11.08C (understanding, remembering, applying information; interacting with others; concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or adapting or managing oneself). A further pitfall is describing physical trouble without showing the degree needed for the listing's terms, such as 'complete loss of function' in 11.08A, 'extreme limitation' in 11.08B, or 'marked limitation' in 11.08C.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
Medical evidence needs to support the specific functional picture required by 11.08A, 11.08B, or 11.08C, and it must show persistence for 3 consecutive months after the disorder (per 11.00M4 referenced in 11.08A-11.08C). For 11.08A, evidence should document complete loss of function consistent with 11.00M2 and lasting 3 months. For 11.08B, evidence should describe disorganization of motor function in two extremities (see 11.00D1) and the resulting extreme limitation in standing up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use of the upper extremities (see 11.00D2) lasting 3 months. For 11.08C, evidence must document marked limitation in physical functioning (see 11.00G3a) plus marked limitation in at least one specified mental area (see 11.00G3b(i) through (iv)) and both must persist for 3 months.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If the required A, B, or C pattern is not met, approval can still happen through the remaining steps. The process looks at residual functional capacity, meaning what the condition actually allows a person to do despite limitations, even if the exact 11.08 criteria are not satisfied. Even when the medical picture does not match 11.08's lettered requirements, functional limits from the spinal cord disorder can still be considered through the evaluation process that weighs how those limits affect work-related abilities.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
SSDI decisions begin by checking whether substantial gainful activity is happening, and work done while the spinal cord disorder is present can affect whether the claim proceeds. If the required 11.08 pattern (A, B, or C) is met, work attempts during the period after approval are handled under the trial work period and any extended period of eligibility rules. For the substance of the listing decision, the key clinical gate is not a diagnosis label, it is the functional level described in 11.08A (complete loss of function for 3 consecutive months), 11.08B (extreme limitations in standing up, balance, or upper-extremity use due to disorganized motor function in two extremities for 3 consecutive months), or 11.08C (marked physical limits plus a marked mental limitation in one of the named mental areas for 3 consecutive months).
Listing 11.08 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for spinal cord disorders , characterized by a, b, or c disability claims.