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Listing 14.05

Polymyositis and dermatomyositis

This listing covers polymyositis and dermatomyositis, inflammatory muscle diseases that cause weakness, usually in the shoulders and hips.

Read the full plain-language explanation

Diagnosis is usually supported by elevated muscle enzymes, electromyography (EMG), and muscle biopsy. SSA looks for severe hip/shoulder muscle weakness limiting walking or arm use, trouble swallowing with aspiration, breathing muscle weakness, widespread calcium deposits limiting joints or intestines, or repeated flare-ups that seriously limit functioning. Only one of the five paths (A–E) needs to be met.

Read Listing 14.05 on ssa.gov

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What Listing 14.05 asks for

What SSA looks for — see the 5 items

We will check your records against each of these. Every item comes straight from SSA's own listing.

    • Weakness in your hip or shoulder muscles is documented, and medical records show you need a walker, two canes/crutches, or a wheelchair
    • You cannot use one arm for work tasks and need an assistive device in the other hand
    • You cannot use either arm for work tasks like lifting, reaching, and fine hand movements. Only one path (A, B, C, D, or E) is needed.
    Read the original wording

    Weakness in your hip or shoulder muscles is documented, and medical records show you need a walker, two canes/crutches, or a wheelchair; or you cannot use one arm for work tasks and need an assistive device in the other hand; or you cannot use either arm for work tasks like lifting, reaching, and fine hand movements. Only one path (A, B, C, D, or E) is needed.

    (Listing 14.05, criterion A)

    • The muscle disease makes it hard to swallow, and food or liquid goes into your airway (aspiration).
    • Medical records must show both the swallowing problem and the aspiration.
    • Only one path (A–E) is needed.
    Read the original wording

    The muscle disease makes it hard to swallow, and food or liquid goes into your airway (aspiration). Medical records must show both the swallowing problem and the aspiration. Only one path (A–E) is needed.

    (Listing 14.05, criterion B)

  • Weakness of the breathing muscles (between the ribs and the diaphragm) impairs your breathing. Only one path (A–E) is needed.

    (Listing 14.05, criterion C)

  • Widespread calcium deposits (calcinosis) in the body limit how your joints move or how your intestines work. Only one path (A–E) is needed.

    (Listing 14.05, criterion D)

    • Your disease flares up repeatedly, you have at least two constant symptoms (severe tiredness, fever, feeling ill, or unintentional weight loss), and it seriously limits your daily activities, social life, or ability to finish tasks on time.
    • Only one path (A–E) is needed.
    Read the original wording

    Your disease flares up repeatedly, you have at least two constant symptoms (severe tiredness, fever, feeling ill, or unintentional weight loss), and it seriously limits your daily activities, social life, or ability to finish tasks on time. Only one path (A–E) is needed.

    (Listing 14.05, criterion E)

How long it must last:

No listing-specific duration is stated; the impairment must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months (the general SSA duration requirement).