Social Security Disability and Vision Loss

There are three listings in the Social Security Administration’s List of Impairments which may apply to most claims involving loss of vision.

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) on the basis of vision impairment, there are three listings in the Social Security Administration’s List of Impairments which may apply to most claims involving loss of vision.

These listings are:

2.02: Loss of visual acuity
In order to qualify for disability under listing 2.02, while wearing glasses or contacts your vision in both eyes must be worse than 20/200.
2.03: Contraction of the visual fields in the better eye
In order to qualify for disability under Listing 2.03, your peripheral field contraction must fall into a certain range.
2.04: Loss of visual efficiency
In order to qualify for disability under Listing 2.04, while wearing glasses or contacts your visual efficiency must be 20% or less.

(see SSA’s List of Impairments for more info)

If you do not meet the requirements in these listings, you can still be approved for Social Security Disability or SSI for your vision impairment.

If the DDS examiner determines that your disability is severe enough that it will prevent you from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity, then he/she may give you a Medical Vocational Allowance.

If you have been denied disability benefits, or if you are going to apply for disability benefits, talk with an experienced disability attorney. You have a better chance of having your claim approved when you work with a qualified disability attorney that knows all the ins and outs of the Social Security Disability system. Click here for a free consultation with an experienced disability attorney in the Southern California area (San Diego, Riverside, Los Angeles, etc…).