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Listing 11.04

Vascular insult to the brain

This listing covers stroke (vascular insult to the brain) — brain damage from blocked blood flow or bleeding in the brain.

Read the full plain-language explanation

SSA looks for one of three problems lasting at least 3 months after the stroke: serious trouble speaking or understanding speech, extreme trouble moving two limbs, or marked limits in both physical functioning and one area of mental functioning. SSA generally waits for evidence from at least 3 months after the stroke.

Read Listing 11.04 on ssa.gov

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What Listing 11.04 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.

    • The stroke caused aphasia so severe you cannot understand or convey simple spoken messages — such as following one-step commands or telling someone your basic needs — lasting at least 3 months after the stroke.
    • Only one of paths A, B, or C is needed.
    Read the original wording

    The stroke caused aphasia so severe you cannot understand or convey simple spoken messages — such as following one-step commands or telling someone your basic needs — lasting at least 3 months after the stroke. Only one of paths A, B, or C is needed.

    (Listing 11.04, criterion A)

    • The stroke left you with extreme trouble using two limbs (both arms, both legs, or one of each) — you cannot stand up from sitting, keep your balance while standing or walking, or use your arms and hands for work tasks without help from another person or a device like a walker, two crutches, or two canes — lasting at least 3 months.
    • Only one path is needed.
    Read the original wording

    The stroke left you with extreme trouble using two limbs (both arms, both legs, or one of each) — you cannot stand up from sitting, keep your balance while standing or walking, or use your arms and hands for work tasks without help from another person or a device like a walker, two crutches, or two canes — lasting at least 3 months. Only one path is needed.

    (Listing 11.04, criterion B)

    • The stroke caused a serious (marked) limit in your physical functioning AND a marked limit in at least one area of mental functioning (memory/understanding, getting along with others, concentration and pace, or managing yourself), both lasting at least 3 months.
    • Only one path is needed.
    Read the original wording

    The stroke caused a serious (marked) limit in your physical functioning AND a marked limit in at least one area of mental functioning (memory/understanding, getting along with others, concentration and pace, or managing yourself), both lasting at least 3 months. Only one path is needed.

    (Listing 11.04, criterion C)

How long it must last:

The limitation must persist for at least 3 consecutive months after the vascular insult; SSA generally needs evidence from at least 3 months post-insult and the impairment must be expected to last at least 12 months overall.