What you have to prove
Loss of speech due to any cause with inability to produce speech that can be heard, understood, or sustained by any means (including articulation substitutes).
Medical evidence SSA expects
ENT, speech-language pathology, or neurology records; laryngectomy operative reports if applicable; and speech intelligibility evaluations.
Common misconceptions
Assistive communication devices (e.g., electrolarynx, AAC) may disqualify if they restore functional communication. Post-laryngectomy patients using esophageal speech may not qualify.
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.