If vision loss affects your ability to work, and it is expected to keep you from working and earning a living for at least 12 months, you may qualify for blind disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
You will need to get all your medical records and supporting evidence in order. Here are five signs that you will be approved for disability with vision loss:
Sign 1 – You meet the non-medical requirements.
You have paid enough taxes and earned enough credits to be covered by Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). For most people, this means having worked full-time for five of the last 10 years. A call to the SSA can confirm if you are covered.
Sign 2 – You have enough supporting medical evidence.
Many claims are denied simply because there is a lack of medical evidence to support the claim.
If you have supporting medical documentation that confirms the severity of your condition, confirms your vision loss, discusses your treatment options and your response, and details how you are affected, then you are more likely to be awarded disability benefits.
Sign 3 – You cannot work for at least 12 months.
If you are unable to work for at least a year because of vision loss, you have a chance at getting your disability claim approved. To qualify for Social Security disability, you must be out of work for at least one year.
Sign 4 – You can meet the Blue Book listing criteria.
The SSA uses a medical guide called the Blue Book to determine if an individual meets the criteria to qualify for disability benefits. To qualify for disability with vision loss, you must meet one of the vision loss listings.
These listings can be for loss of central acuity, contraction of the visual field in the better eye, or loss of visual efficiency or visual impairment.
All these listings require specific test results, which detail the severity of your vision loss and how it affects you. You must show that your vision is limited and how you are affected, such as you are unable to drive, you cannot operate machinery, you require assistance when walking, and so forth.
Your records should also indicate if your condition can be treated and if so, if improvement is expected.
Sign 5 – You have enlisted the help of a Social Security disability lawyer.
Legal representation is beneficial to a disability claim. An attorney will know what evidence is necessary to get your claim approved.
Your disability lawyer will review your medical records and determine what additional evidence your claim will need to be successful.
Your lawyer for Social Security disability will make sure you have undergone all the proper testing and that you have all the supporting evidence that the disability examiner will need to approve your disability claim.
If you are ready to apply for disability benefits because of vision loss, ask for a free case review from a disability attorney today.
Additional Resources
- What Is Included In My Disability Application With Vision Loss?
- Do You Qualify For Disability Benefits?
- How Disabling Is My Vision Loss?
