Listing 11.10
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
This listing covers ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), a rapidly progressive disorder that destroys the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles.
Read the full plain-language explanation
Unlike most listings, ALS is met simply by a properly documented diagnosis — no separate functional criteria are required. SSA requires documentation using generally accepted diagnostic methods, and laboratory testing when clinical signs of upper and lower motor neuron disease aren't present in three or more body regions.
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What Listing 11.10 asks for
What SSA looks for — see the 1 items
We will check your records against each of these. Every item comes straight from SSA's own listing.
- You have a documented diagnosis of ALS based on accepted medical methods.
- If your exam doesn't show both upper and lower motor neuron signs in at least three body regions, lab testing (such as EMG) is needed to establish the diagnosis.
- This is the only requirement.
Read the original wording
You have a documented diagnosis of ALS based on accepted medical methods. If your exam doesn't show both upper and lower motor neuron signs in at least three body regions, lab testing (such as EMG) is needed to establish the diagnosis. This is the only requirement.
(Listing 11.10, criterion A)
How long it must last:
No listing-specific duration is stated; the general requirement that the impairment last or be expected to last at least 12 months (or result in death) applies.