The Listing of Impairments (Listings) is located in the Program Operations Manual System (POMS) subchapter DI 34000; and, 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1.

When a claimant’s impairment meets, or medically equals, the criteria of a listed impairment, and the claimant is not performing substantial gainful activity (SGA,) we find him or her disabled. We group the impairments in the Listings by each of the major body systems.

The Listings describe impairments that we consider severe enough to:

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  prevent an adult from doing any gainful activity, regardless of his or her age, education, or work experience, or

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  cause a child under age 18 marked and severe functional limitations.

Consideration of the Listings includes both the introductory text at the beginning of each body system and the specific listing. Under the Listings, we do not consider the vocational factors of age, education, or work experience.

The effects of impairments may be different for children and adults.

Part A of the Listings contains medical criteria that apply to adults – claimants age 18 and over.

Part B of the Listings contains medical criteria that apply to children only - claimants under age 18. We may use Part A for claimants under age 18 if the impairment does not meet a Part B listing and the Part A criteria are appropriate.

See details:

DI 34001.001 - Listing of Impairments -- Purpose, Parts and Use

The introductory text in each body system contains:

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  information relevant to the use of the Listings in that body system;

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  examples of common impairments in the body system; and

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  definitions used in the Listings for that body system.

The introductory text may also include specific criteria for:

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  establishing an MDI,

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  confirming the existence of an impairment(s), or

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  establishing an impairment(s) satisfies the criteria of a particular listing in the body system.

IMPORTANT: If the introductory text does not include specific criteria for establishing an MDI or confirming the existence of an impairment(s), the medical evidence must still show that the claimant has a severe MDI(s) as defined in DI 24505.001. The introductory text also provides guidance for actions when an impairment does not meet a listing.

The specific listing criteria follow the introductory text in each body system, below the heading, “Category of Impairments.” Within each listing, we specify the objective medical and other findings needed to satisfy the criteria of that listing. The specified findings may refer to specific items in the introductory text.

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  Most of the listed impairments are permanent or expected to result in death.

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  Nevertheless, the evidence must show the claimant’s impairment(s) has lasted, or we expect it to last, for a continuous period of at least 12 months, or we can expect it to result in death.

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  For some listings, we state a specific period of time for which an impairment(s) will meet the listing prior to the need for a continuing disability review (CDR).

For all claim types, you must:

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  Identify the listing the impairment meets; and,

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  Discuss symptom evaluation, onset, duration, closed period, and drug addiction and alcoholism materiality, as applicable.

For Title XVI child claims, see DI 25230.001 Explaining Title XVI Childhood Disability Evaluation Determinations.

For claims other than Title XVI child claims, if the impairment meets a physical listing, use the SSA-416-UF (Medical Evaluation) to address meeting the listing. For instructions on how to complete the 416, see DI 24501.006 SSA-416-UF Medical Evaluation.

For claims other than Title XVI child claims, if the impairment meets a mental listing, use a SSA-2506-BK Psychiatric Review Technique (PRT) to evaluate the impairment(s). For instructions on how to complete the PRT see, DI 24583.005 Evaluating Mental Impairments Using the Psychiatric Review Technique (PRT).