SSA Blue Book · Section 11.00

All Blue Book listings / Neurological Disorders

Neurological Listings: Epilepsy, MS, Parkinson’s, and Stroke

Section 11.00 covers neurological disorders. The applicable criteria vary by condition and may focus on documented episodes, examination findings, mobility, communication, or the ability to use the body effectively.

Conditions covered

The system includes epilepsy, stroke, Parkinsonian syndrome, multiple sclerosis, ALS, peripheral neuropathy, traumatic brain injury, and other central or peripheral nervous system disorders.

Key listings in Section 11.00

  • 11.02 — Epilepsy

    Evaluates qualifying seizure patterns and related evidence, including treatment and functional effects.

  • 11.04 — Vascular insult to the brain

    Covers stroke and specified resulting neurological limitations.

  • 11.06, 11.09, and 11.10 — Parkinsonian syndrome, MS, and ALS

    Address these diagnoses through their specific medical and functional criteria.

  • 11.14 and 11.18 — Peripheral neuropathy and traumatic brain injury

    Evaluate qualifying nerve dysfunction and lasting effects of TBI.

These are plain-language summaries, not the full regulatory criteria. Review the official Blue Book for the complete requirements and definitions.

Evidence SSA may consider

  • Records may include neurological examinations, imaging, EEGs, seizure logs, treatment and medication history, hospital records, and neuropsychological testing when relevant.
  • Document the frequency, duration, recovery period, and observed features of episodes, as well as symptoms between episodes.
  • For movement, cognitive, or communication problems, specialist findings and concrete examples of how the limits affect daily activities and work can help explain the record.

If the listing is not met

If a neurological listing is not met or medically equaled, SSA still considers supported limits such as falls, balance problems, weakness, use of the hands, concentration, pace, communication, and recovery time.

Those limits inform the RFC and the Step 4 and Step 5 work analysis. Nonexertional effects may change how the Grid Rules are applied or whether vocational evidence is needed.

Related resources

Read the official SSA Blue Book for Section 11.00

This page provides general information, not medical or legal advice. It is not a determination of whether any person qualifies for benefits.