Listing 1.17
Reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint
This listing covers people who have had reconstructive surgery (like a joint replacement or salvage procedure) or surgical fusion (arthrodesis) of a major weight-bearing joint — the hip, knee, or ankle-foot.
Read the full plain-language explanation
SSA needs three things: (A) medical proof of the surgery, (B) a physical limitation lasting at least 12 months, and (C) a documented medical need for a walker, two canes, two crutches, or a wheelchair that requires both hands.
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What Listing 1.17 asks for
What SSA looks for — see the 3 items
We will check your records against each of these. Every item comes straight from SSA's own listing.
- Your records must document that you had reconstructive surgery or a surgical fusion of your hip, knee, or ankle-foot.
- (The ankle and foot count together as one major joint.)
- A, B, and C are all required.
Read the original wording
Your records must document that you had reconstructive surgery or a surgical fusion of your hip, knee, or ankle-foot. (The ankle and foot count together as one major joint.) A, B, and C are all required.
(Listing 1.17, criterion A)
The limitation on your physical functioning must last, or be expected to last, at least 12 months in a row.
(Listing 1.17, criterion B)
A medical source must document that you need a walker, two canes, two crutches, or a wheelchair that takes both hands to operate. A single cane is not enough for this listing.
(Listing 1.17, criterion C)
How long it must last:
- The impairment-related physical limitation must have lasted, or be expected to last, for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
- All required criteria must be present simultaneously or within a close proximity of time (a consecutive 4-month period, or 12 months for claims decided during the pandemic/post-pandemic evaluation periods).
Read the original wording
The impairment-related physical limitation must have lasted, or be expected to last, for a continuous period of at least 12 months. All required criteria must be present simultaneously or within a close proximity of time (a consecutive 4-month period, or 12 months for claims decided during the pandemic/post-pandemic evaluation periods).