Listing 12.04 (Depressive Disorders)
The SSA Blue Book listing for depressive, bipolar, and related disorders that can lead to a finding of disability.
Listing 12.04 in the Social Security Administration's Blue Book covers depressive, bipolar, and related disorders. To meet the listing, a claimant must show medical documentation of the disorder (Paragraph A) — like depressed mood, anhedonia, sleep disturbance, energy changes, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, or manic episodes — plus extreme limitation in one, or marked limitation in two, of four broad areas (Paragraph B): understanding and applying information; interacting with others; concentrating and maintaining pace; and adapting and managing oneself. There is also a 'serious and persistent' alternative (Paragraph C) for claimants with at least two years of medical treatment showing continued limitation despite ongoing treatment. Most strong claims combine consistent psychiatric care, hospitalizations or crisis events, mental status exams, function reports, and a supportive medical source statement from the treating psychiatrist or therapist. A claimant who does not 'meet' 12.04 may still 'equal' it or win at the Mental RFC step.
In real life
- A claimant with major depression and recurrent hospitalizations meets Paragraph A and shows marked limits in two B areas.
- A claimant with stable but persistent bipolar disorder over five years meets Paragraph C.
- A claimant who does not 'meet' 12.04 wins on Mental RFC because she cannot sustain a workday.
Also known as
Frequently asked questions about Listing 12.04 (Depressive Disorders)
What is the difference between meeting and equaling a listing?+
Meeting means matching every requirement exactly. Equaling means the impairment is medically equivalent in severity.
What evidence is most important?+
Consistent mental health treatment notes, mental status exams, hospitalization records, and a treating provider's medical source statement.
Do I need an attorney to use 12.04?+
No, but representation often helps because listing arguments require careful matching of evidence to listing criteria.
Where can I read the listing?+
At ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/12.00-MentalDisorders-Adult.htm.
Source: ssa.gov