What you have to prove
Meet listing via: (1) involvement of two or more organs/body systems with one at moderate severity AND two constitutional symptoms, OR (2) repeated manifestations with marked limitation in daily activities, social functioning, or completing tasks.
Medical evidence SSA expects
Anti-SSA/SSB antibodies, Schirmer test, salivary gland biopsy, ophthalmology records, and rheumatologist notes.
Common misconceptions
Sicca symptoms (dry eyes, dry mouth) alone don't qualify — SSA wants systemic involvement (lungs, kidneys, neurological) or significant functional limitation.
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.