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Listing 11.08

Spinal cord disorders

This listing covers spinal cord disorders, whether present from birth or caused by injury.

Read the full plain-language explanation

SSA looks for complete loss of function of part of the body, extreme trouble moving two limbs, or marked limits in physical plus mental functioning — each persisting for 3 months after the disorder. If the cord is completely severed (total transection), SSA can decide immediately without waiting 3 months.

Read Listing 11.08 on ssa.gov

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What Listing 11.08 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 spinal cord disorder causes a complete loss of movement, feeling, and automatic body functions in the affected parts of your body, lasting 3 months in a row.
    • Only one of paths A, B, or C is needed.
    Read the original wording

    Your spinal cord disorder causes a complete loss of movement, feeling, and automatic body functions in the affected parts of your body, lasting 3 months in a row. Only one of paths A, B, or C is needed.

    (Listing 11.08, criterion A)

    • Your spinal cord disorder causes extreme trouble using two limbs — you can't stand up from sitting, keep your balance, or use your arms and hands for work tasks without help from a person or an assistive device — lasting 3 months in a row.
    • Only one path is needed.
    Read the original wording

    Your spinal cord disorder causes extreme trouble using two limbs — you can't stand up from sitting, keep your balance, or use your arms and hands for work tasks without help from a person or an assistive device — lasting 3 months in a row. Only one path is needed.

    (Listing 11.08, criterion B)

    • Your spinal cord disorder causes a serious (marked) limit in physical functioning AND a marked limit in at least one area of mental functioning, both lasting 3 months in a row.
    • Only one path is needed.
    Read the original wording

    Your spinal cord disorder causes a serious (marked) limit in physical functioning AND a marked limit in at least one area of mental functioning, both lasting 3 months in a row. Only one path is needed.

    (Listing 11.08, criterion C)

How long it must last:

The limitation must persist for 3 consecutive months after the disorder (except total cord transection, which SSA allows immediately); the impairment must be expected to last at least 12 months overall.