Listing 1.18 · Musculoskeletal disorders

Abnormality of a major joint(s) in any extremity

To be approved under this listing, a claim must meet all of the criteria below — and the medical records have to prove it.

  1. A

    Chronic joint pain or stiffness.

    In plain terms: Have you had ongoing pain or stiffness in any of your major joints — knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, or wrists?

  2. B

    Joint abnormality on imaging or physical exam (instability, deformity, etc.).

    In plain terms: Has imaging or your doctor confirmed an abnormality in the joint — like cartilage loss, deformity, or instability?

    Evidence required:X-rayMRITreating physician report
  3. C

    Inability to use the joint(s) for ambulation or for fine and gross movement effectively, as evidenced by the need for a mobility device or inability to use both upper extremities.

    In plain terms: Has the joint problem made it hard to walk, or to use both your hands and arms for everyday tasks?

    Evidence required:Treating physician reportRFC (residual functional capacity) assessment
Read the official SSA text for Listing 1.18

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Estimate the odds

Historical approval rates for a claim like this — by state, age, and stage.

Approval odds by condition

How claims for this body system fare through the process.

Other musculoskeletal disorders listings

Disorders of the spine (legacy listing — replaced by 1.15-1.16 in 2021)Disorders of the skeletal spine resulting in compromise of a nerve root(s)Lumbar spinal stenosis resulting in compromise of the cauda equinaReconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing jointPathologic fractures due to any causeAmputation due to any causeSoft-tissue injury or abnormality under continuing surgical managementNon-healing or complex fracture of the femur, tibia, pelvis, or one or more vertebraeNon-healing or complex fracture of an upper extremity

Source: SSA Listing of Impairments (Blue Book), 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 · Updated 2026-06-18. Criteria paraphrased for readability; see the official SSA text linked above. Not legal or medical advice — whether a specific medical record meets Listing 1.18 is an individualized judgment SSA makes on the evidence.