ConditionsCancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)Kidneys, Adrenal Glands, or Ureters
Blue Book Listing 13.21

Kidneys, Adrenal Glands, or Ureters

Cancer of the kidney (renal cell carcinoma), adrenals, or ureters.

What you have to prove

Meet listing via: carcinoma inoperable, unresectable, recurrent, or with metastases beyond the regional lymph nodes.

Medical evidence SSA expects

Pathology, CT/MRI imaging, and oncology notes.

Common misconceptions

Localized RCC treated with nephrectomy often doesn't meet the listing. Metastatic or sarcomatoid RCC typically qualifies.

Didn't meet the listing? You can still qualify via a Medical-Vocational Allowance — SSA's determination that your residual functional capacity, combined with your age, education, and work history, leaves no jobs you can do. See our appeals guide for what to do after an initial denial.