Listing code
3.09
Adult (Part A)
Body system
3.00
Respiratory disorders
Subsections
0
No lettered criteria
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Chronic pulmonary hypertension due to any cause (see 3.00L ) documented by mean pulmonary artery pressure equal to or greater than 40 mm Hg as determined by cardiac catheterization while medically stable (see 3.00E2a ).
This listing has no lettered subsections. The diagnosis itself, supported by the medical evidence described in the body-system overview, is what SSA evaluates.
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 3.09. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 3.09 usually fail
Many claims fail because the record does not include cardiac catheterization with a mean pulmonary artery pressure value. Another failure mode is having a borderline number that is below 40 mm Hg. Claims can also miss the mark if the measurement is not done while medically stable. Because this listing has no lettered subsections, adding other respiratory diagnoses without the qualifying pulmonary hypertension pressure measurement does not substitute for the required test result.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
The key evidence is cardiac catheterization documentation showing mean pulmonary artery pressure equal to or greater than 40 mm Hg, taken while medically stable. Hospital or clinic records that include the catheterization result and the stability context around the test are the most important. Symptoms such as dyspnea and chest pain are relevant to respiratory disorders in general, but they do not replace the required 40 mm Hg catheter-measured mean pulmonary artery pressure for this listing.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If the mean pulmonary artery pressure is not documented at 40 mm Hg or higher by cardiac catheterization while medically stable, this specific listing is not met. The claim can still proceed through the later steps of the disability process by assessing residual functional capacity (what activities remain possible despite the respiratory limitation). If the available work-related abilities, age, and other vocational factors do not line up with sustained work, approval can still be possible even when a specific listing is not met.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
For SSDI, any work activity in the beginning stages is evaluated under the substantial gainful activity (SGA) rule, and eligibility depends on overall disability rather than the diagnosis name alone. This listing requires a very specific physiologic finding, mean pulmonary artery pressure at or above 40 mm Hg on cardiac catheterization while medically stable, which often aligns with significant breathing and circulatory limitations. After approval, work must be considered under SSA's post-entitlement rules for continuing eligibility, which are handled separately from the initial listing question. If approved, trial work period and extended period of eligibility rules apply based on continued work activity.
Listing 3.09 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for chronic pulmonary hypertension due to any cause disability claims.