SSA uses a standardized set of four-digit impairment codes on the SSA-831 (Disability Determination and Transmittal), SSA-832 (Cessation Or Continuance of Disability or Blindness Determination and Transmittal - Title XVI), and SSA-833 (Cessation or Continuance of Disability or Blindness Determination and Transmittal - Title II). These codes are loosely based on ICD-9 coding. Generally, the highest level code that is appropriate is used. When that code is only three digits, a zero is added as the fourth digit.

Each code identifies the underlying cause of the person's disability, and the disabling manifestations. The codes most relevant to the determination must be used.

For the complete list of impairment codes in numerical order, including the body system code, see DI 33526.100. For each of the 15 body systems in the Listings of Impairments, we provide:

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  A list of codes to be used when a specific Part A (adult) listing is met or equaled;

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  A list of codes to be used when a specific Part B (child) listing is met or medically equaled;

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  A general list of codes to be used when the impairment does not meet or medically equal a Part A or Part B listing;

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  Reminders for selecting codes within the body system.

For the immune body system, we also provide a list of codes to be used to indicate the secondary impairment when the primary impairment is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

We also include a section for impairments or situations that do not align with a specific body system as well as a section with all codes in numerical sequence.

For instructions on completing items 16A and 16B on the SSA-831, see DI 26510.015.

For instructions on completing items 22 and 23 on the SSA-832 and SSA-833, see DI 28084.035.