Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Reduced Visual Acuity or Efficiency
Visual acuity (VA) is a measure of the ability of the eye to distinguish shapes and the details of objects at a given distance. Visual acuity less than 20/20 is common. In most cases, blurry vision from a refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism) is to blame.
Sometimes eye disease, infection or other health problems reduce your visual acuity. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 2.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Reduced Visual Acuity or Efficiency Qualify for Disability?
Whether your visual impairment has been present since birth or has only recently developed, it may qualify you for disability benefits, even if you are currently able to work. To receive benefits, you must submit an application and meet the SSA’s evidentiary requirements, including meeting the Blue Book disability listing for Visual Acuity or Visual Efficiency.
- This Visual Acuity listing appears in Section 2.02 of the Blue Book and requires that your vision in your better eye is 20/200.
- Section 2.04 Visual Efficiency listing either requires:
- A 20% or lower visual efficiency rating,
- A 1.00 or greater visual impairment measurement.
Meeting either of these listings means you fit the Social Security Act’s definition of “statutory blindness” and are therefore qualified to receive SSDI benefits, even if you are still able to work. Keep in mind that all vision test results must be taken after corrective measures. If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure your test results record your vision with and without corrective lenses.
Contraction of the visual field, which appears in Section 2.03 listing in the Blue Book, may also apply to your vision loss or impairment claim. To meet this listing, your medical records must show one of the following:
- A 20 degree or lower diameter of view from a fixed point measurement
- A kinetic perimetry measurement of 20% or lower in visual field efficiency
- A 22-decibel or higher macular degeneration, documented through a static threshold perimetry test that measures vision diameter out from the central 30-degree field.
Regardless of which form of vision impairment you experience, it is important to note that you only meet the statutory blindness definition if you meet one of these Blue Book listings. Closely matching a listing may qualify you for benefits but it will not qualify you for additional “statutory blindness” considerations under the Social Security Act.
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 reduced visual acuity and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
