Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is primarily an age-related retinal condition. There are two types of macular degeneration — wet and dry. You may lose central vision, but you aren’t likely to lose all of your vision. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 2.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Macular Degeneration Qualify for Disability?
Yes, macular degeneration may qualify you for disability benefits if your vision loss is so severe that you cannot work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Act defines blindness as a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the best eye when using a correcting lens.
When using the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book, Section 2.00 covers macular degeneration when determining who qualifies for disability benefits. To assess a visual disorder, the SSA usually needs an eye examination report that includes measurements of the best-corrected central visual acuity. If you experience loss in visual acuity or visual field, you will need to provide documentation to the SSA of the cause of the loss.
A standard eye examination will normally reveal the cause of any visual acuity loss. If the standard eye examination fails to reveal the cause of the vision loss, the SSA will request the information that establishes the presence of your visual disorder. If your visual disorder fails to satisfy the criteria in of the 2.02, 2.03, or 2.04 Blue Book the SSA may ask for a description of how the visual disorder affects the person’s ability to function.
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you’ve been diagnosed with macular degeneration and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
