Listing code
11.04
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
Vascular insult to the brain , characterized by A, B, or C:
Subsection A
Sensory or motor aphasia resulting in ineffective speech or communication (see 11.00E1 ) persisting for at least 3 consecutive months after the insult. 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 at least 3 consecutive months after the insult. 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 at least 3 consecutive months after the insult: 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 11.04. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 11.04 usually fail
A frequent problem is meeting only a general diagnosis of vascular insult without showing the specific lettered criteria A, B, or C. Another failure mode is duration, since the criteria must persist for at least 3 consecutive months after the insult. Some claims focus on improvement after the event but miss that the criteria must still be present after that minimum 3-month period. For Subsection C, a common miss is not having both pieces at once: marked limitation in physical functioning and marked limitation in one specified mental functioning area, each persisting for at least 3 consecutive months.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
Documentation should tie the current limitations back to the vascular insult to the brain and show the limitations in the exact way the criteria are written. For Subsection A, evidence needs to show sensory or motor aphasia causing ineffective speech or communication, lasting at least 3 consecutive months after the insult (with the cross-reference to 11.00E1). For Subsection B, evidence needs to show disorganization of motor function in two extremities (see 11.00D1) that results in an extreme limitation in standing up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or using upper extremities, persisting for at least 3 consecutive months (with the cross-references to 11.00D2). For Subsection C, evidence needs to support marked limitation in physical functioning (see 11.00G3a) and marked limitation in at least one of the specified mental functioning areas (under 11.00G3b(i) through 11.00G3b(iv)), each lasting at least 3 consecutive months.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
Step 4 is mainly about comparing the documented limits to how much work can be done. If the exact 11.04 pattern is not met, the claim still can be decided based on the residual functional capacity (RFC) that best describes what can be done despite the limitations. Step 5 then uses that RFC to see what work is available that matches the remaining abilities. Many claims that do not fit the specific lettered criteria still get approved later if the overall functional limits are severe enough.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
For an SSDI claim, work activity is evaluated under the general SGA rules, and the medical severity must be tied to the functional limitations caused by the vascular insult to the brain. If the limitations fit Subsection A, B, or C, the pattern is assessed for how it limits communication, movement/disorganization and extreme limitations with standing/balance or upper extremity use, or marked physical and mental functioning limits, each persisting for at least 3 consecutive months. If the claim is approved, trial work period rules and the extended period of eligibility can apply like they do for other approved SSDI claims, while SGA continues to matter when determining whether work earnings count.
Listing 11.04 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for vascular insult to the brain , characterized by a, b, or c disability claims.