What you have to prove
Medical documentation of one or more of the listed somatic symptom criteria, AND extreme limitation of one OR marked limitation of two Paragraph B areas, OR serious-and-persistent presentation for 2+ years.
Medical evidence SSA expects
Psychiatric records documenting the diagnosis, medical workup ruling out other causes, therapy records, and documentation of functional impact.
Common misconceptions
Because somatic disorders can overlap with undiagnosed medical conditions, SSA adjudicators look carefully at whether objective medical findings might be missed.
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.