Listing 1.16 · Musculoskeletal disorders

Lumbar spinal stenosis resulting in compromise of the cauda equina

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

    Symptoms of neurogenic claudication (nonradicular pain or sensory disturbance occurring during standing or walking that improves with sitting or bending forward).

    In plain terms: When you walk or stand for a while, do your legs ache or get heavy in a way that improves when you sit or bend forward?

  2. B

    Lumbar spinal stenosis documented on imaging (MRI/CT/myelogram).

    In plain terms: Has imaging — MRI, CT, or a myelogram — confirmed lumbar spinal stenosis?

    Evidence required:MRICT scan
  3. C

    Documented medical need for a walker, bilateral canes, bilateral crutches, or a wheelchair involving the use of both hands; OR inability to walk a block at a reasonable pace on rough or uneven surfaces.

    In plain terms: Do you need a walker, two canes, or a wheelchair — or are you unable to walk a block at a normal pace on uneven ground?

    Evidence required:Treating physician reportRFC (residual functional capacity) assessment
Read the official SSA text for Listing 1.16

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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)Reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing jointAbnormality of a major joint(s) in any extremityPathologic 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 1.16 is an individualized judgment SSA makes on the evidence.