Vison Loss and Social Security Disability Benefits

(Article Contributed by Social Security Disability Help)

Vision loss can be devastating for many reasons. Eventually, many find it impossible to work as their vision gets worse. If you are suffering from vision loss, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may be able to help you.

There are two kinds of disability benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is funded by Social Security taxes. Benefits are paid based on how long you’ve worked, how much you’ve paid into Social Security in taxes, and your previous income. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is funded by general tax revenue, not Social Security taxes, for those with little to no income. Because of this, it is the best option for those without significant work history. SSI has strict financial limits. Any applicant who owns more than $2,000 in assets (stocks, bonds, life insurance) will not qualify for SSI benefits.

Vision Loss in the Blue Book

Vision loss can be found in Section 2.00 of the Blue Book, under Special Senses and Speech. The Blue Book is the SSA’s guide for evaluating disability claims. Visual disorders are defined as abnormalities of the eye, optic nerve, or brain that causes a loss of visual acuity or visual fields. Loss of visual acuity lessens your ability to distinguish detail, read, or do fine work. Loss of visual field damages your peripheral vision.

Vision disorders are measured by a visual acuity test, visual field test, or both. A best-corrected visual acuity (the best vision that is attainable with corrective lenses) test examines what you can see from 20 feet. With the results CF (counts fingers), HM (hand motion only), LP/LPO (light perception or light perception only, or NLP (no light perception), the SSA will determine that your best corrected visual acuity is 20/200 or less in both eyes.

A visual field test examines the area that is 24 to 30 degrees from your point of fixation. You do not wear glasses during this test. In order to quality for visual field loss, you need to have a visual field of 20 degrees or less in both eyes. If you meet one or both of these requirements, you are considered to have statutory blindness.

For vision disorders that are not statutory blindness, the cause of the visual disorder is necessary in addition to proof of vision loss to process a claim. Often, the cause can be determined by a standard eye exam. If it does not, the SSA will request the medical information used to establish the disorder in the first place.

If this information does not satisfy the requirements, the SSA will require a description of how your visual disorder affects your ability to function. If your visual efficiency, which can be calculated by your doctor from your visual acuity and visual field test results, is below 20 percent, generally, you will quality for disability as well.

If your vision loss does not meet the requirements for statutory blindness and the SSA will not approve your claim, you can appeal the decision or you can apply for Medical-Vocational Allowance. This takes into account the functional limitations, age, job skills, and education level in a claim. The SSA will give you a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) rating for your vision loss. If the SSA finds that your vision loss is impairing your ability to work, or your ability to work at a previous level difficulty, you may be eligible for medical-vocational benefits.

You can apply for disability on the Social Security Administration’s website or at an appointment in person at your local security office, which can be found by contacting 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 for TTY. You will need detailed medical information, tax information, a birth certificate, and other information. For a complete checklist on what documents you’ll need to apply, review the Adult Disability Starter Kit on the SSA’s website.