What are SSD federal regulations for visual disorders?

On Behalf of | Oct 9, 2015 | Social Security Disability

Those in Kissimmee who have visual disorders should have an understanding of how the Social Security Administration evaluates these issues, how they are defined, and what evidence is needed to approve the claimant for Social Security disability benefits. It is important to know the criteria when seeking SSD benefits before pursuing a case to avoid mistakes that might result in a denial.

A visual disorder involves suffering from abnormalities of the eye, optic tracts, optic nerve or the brain. These can affect a person’s abilities with visual fields and visual acuity. A person might be limited when it comes to peripheral vision if they suffer from issues with the visual field. The person might have a problem distinguishing details, reading or doing fine work if there is an issue with visual acuity.

Statutory blindness is defined as the better eye having central visual acuity measuring 20/200 or less even with a correcting lens. When determining whether this condition is met, the SSA looks evaluates the person’s best corrected measurement for central visual acuity for distance with their better eye. The visual field limitation must have a central visual acuity of 20/200. An example is the widest diameter of the visual field extending from one end to the other at an angle that does not go beyond 20 degrees. This will be considered equal to 20/200.

There is a difference between a statutory definition of blindness and the medical definition of blindness. If the claimant meets the medical requirements for blindness, the requirements for statutory blindness may not necessarily be met. A layperson could be confused by these technical terms and different categories of what constitutes statutory blindness and what doesn’t.

Given the differing ways in which statutory blindness is defined under the federal regulations and the different testing procedures that are done to come to the determination, it is important to have assistance when seeking SSD benefits for visual disorders. An experienced attorney can help people with their SSD claims throughout all stages of the process.

Source: SSA.gov, “2.00 Special Senses And Speech – Adult,” accessed on Oct. 5, 2015

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