Listing 1.19
Pathologic fractures due to any cause
This listing covers fractures that happen because a disease has weakened your bones — for example, osteoporosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, other skeletal dysplasias, medication side effects, or endocrine disorders.
Read the full plain-language explanation
SSA needs (A) three pathologic fractures that happened on three separate occasions within a 12-month period (they can affect the same bone more than once, but not all at the same time), and (B) a serious functional limitation lasting at least 12 months, such as a documented medical need for a walker, two canes, or a wheelchair, or being unable to use one or both arms for work tasks. Fractures caused by cancer are evaluated under the cancer listings (13.00), and traumatic non-healing fractures under 1.22 or 1.23.
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What Listing 1.19 asks for
What SSA looks for — see the 2 items
We will check your records against each of these. Every item comes straight from SSA's own listing.
- You must have had three pathologic (disease-related) fractures on three different occasions, all within one 12-month period.
- The fractures can be in the same bone, but they must be separate events, not multiple fractures at the same time.
- A and B are both required.
Read the original wording
You must have had three pathologic (disease-related) fractures on three different occasions, all within one 12-month period. The fractures can be in the same bone, but they must be separate events, not multiple fractures at the same time. A and B are both required.
(Listing 1.19, criterion A)
- Your condition must limit your functioning for at least 12 months, and records must show at least ONE of these:
- You medically need a walker, two canes, two crutches, or a two-handed wheelchair
- You can't use one arm/hand for work tasks AND you medically need a one-handed device that ties up your other hand
- You can't use either arm/hand for work tasks. Only one path is needed.
Read the original wording
Your condition must limit your functioning for at least 12 months, and records must show at least ONE of these: (1) you medically need a walker, two canes, two crutches, or a two-handed wheelchair; (2) you can't use one arm/hand for work tasks AND you medically need a one-handed device that ties up your other hand; or (3) you can't use either arm/hand for work tasks. Only one path is needed.
(Listing 1.19, criterion B)
How long it must last:
Three pathologic fractures must occur within a 12-month period, and the impairment-related physical limitation must have lasted, or be expected to last, for a continuous period of at least 12 months.