What does SSA require to approve a claim for amputation due to any cause?

Under SSA Blue Book Listing 1.20 (Amputation due to any cause), a claim meet any one of the criteria below. There are 4 criteria, and much of the medical evidence must be documented (imaging, labs, or specialist reports). Meeting a listing is one route to approval; claims can also be approved on medical-vocational grounds.

Listing 1.20 · Musculoskeletal disorders

Amputation due to any cause

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

A
Amputation of both lower extremities, occurring at or above the tarsal region.
In plain terms: I'm sorry to ask — has either of your legs been amputated above the ankle? Both legs?
Evidence required:Hospitalization recordTreating physician report
B
Amputation of one lower extremity at or above the tarsal region, with complications preventing the use of a prosthesis.
In plain terms: Has one of your legs been amputated, and have complications kept you from using a prosthesis?
Evidence required:Treating physician reportRFC (residual functional capacity) assessment
C
Amputation of one upper extremity AND one lower extremity.
In plain terms: Has both an arm and a leg been amputated?
Evidence required:Hospitalization recordTreating physician report
D
Hemipelvectomy or hip disarticulation.
In plain terms: Have you had a hemipelvectomy or hip disarticulation surgery?
Evidence required:Hospitalization record

Note · Listing 1.20 is "any" of paragraphs A–D — any one suffices.

Read the official SSA text for Listing 1.20

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 equina Reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint Abnormality of a major joint(s) in any extremity Pathologic fractures due to any cause Soft-tissue injury or abnormality under continuing surgical management Non-healing or complex fracture of the femur, tibia, pelvis, or one or more vertebrae Non-healing or complex fracture of an upper extremity

Source: SSA Listing of Impairments (Blue Book), 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 · Updated 2026-07-31. Criteria paraphrased for readability; see the official SSA text linked above. Not legal or medical advice — whether a specific medical record meets Listing 1.20 is an individualized judgment SSA makes on the evidence.

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