What you have to prove
Meet listing when: (1) soft tissue injury or abnormality of a major weight-bearing joint or upper extremity is being treated under continuing surgical management directed toward salvage or restoration of functional use, AND (2) functional use is not anticipated to be restored within 12 months of onset.
Medical evidence SSA expects
Operative reports across multiple surgeries, burn unit admission records, reconstructive surgery plans, functional assessments, and documentation of anticipated recovery timeline.
Common misconceptions
Continuing surgical management is a specific term — it means ongoing planned procedures, not just follow-up care. Gaps in scheduled surgeries can lead to denials.
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.