What you have to prove
Show PAD as determined by appropriate medically acceptable imaging with: (1) resting ankle/brachial index of less than 0.50; OR (2) decrease in systolic blood pressure at the ankle on exercise of 50 percent or more of pre-exercise level; OR (3) resting toe systolic pressure of less than 30 mm Hg; OR (4) resting toe/brachial index of less than 0.40.
Medical evidence SSA expects
ABI measurements, arterial Doppler studies, angiography, exercise testing, and vascular surgeon records.
Common misconceptions
Claudication alone doesn't qualify — SSA wants specific objective measurements of arterial insufficiency. Well-managed PAD often doesn't meet listing thresholds.
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.