What you have to prove
Show chronic venous insufficiency of a lower extremity with incompetency or obstruction of the deep venous system, AND (1) extensive brawny edema involving at least two-thirds of the leg between the ankle and knee or the distal one-third of the lower extremity between the ankle and hip, OR (2) superficial varicosities, stasis dermatitis, and either recurrent ulceration or persistent ulceration that has not healed following at least 3 months of prescribed treatment.
Medical evidence SSA expects
Venous Doppler ultrasound, wound care records, photographs of ulcers, compression therapy prescriptions, and vascular surgeon notes.
Common misconceptions
Minor varicose veins or mild swelling don't meet the listing. The ulceration or edema must be severe and chronic despite treatment.
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.