Vision loss and impairment affect approximately 6 million people, and an estimated 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma. Some people with these conditions can continue to engage in Substantial Gainful Activities with accommodations from their employers, but many cannot. Social Security (SS) disability benefits are available for people who are unable to work due to a disability, but what conditions might qualify you for these benefits?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) application process is notoriously complex and time-consuming, leaving many applicants frustrated and confused about when they’ll receive benefits or if they will even be approved. For those struggling to work with vision impairment and other symptoms caused by glaucoma, it is helpful to understand how SSA handles disability claims related to this condition. While each application for SS benefits is handled independently on a case-by-case basis, having a general idea of whether glaucoma can be considered a disability is beneficial as you go through the claims process.

What Are the Requirements for Receiving Disability Benefits for Vision Problems?

To be eligible for SS disability benefits, you must have enough work history and have a disability or blindness. Beyond this, the SSA has basic requirements that apply to any type of medical condition, one of which is that it is expected to last more than one year. Vision-impairing conditions like glaucoma meet this criterion, but there are numerous other hurdles to overcome when you apply for SS disability benefits based on glaucoma.

Blindness is treated slightly differently in certain respects than other disabilities. For example, the maximum amount of income you can make and still qualify for SS disability benefits if you are considered blind is higher than that of other disability conditions.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Due to Blindness

Legal blindness is among the conditions that the SSA considers a qualifying disability, although there are specific criteria that must be met. If you are applying for SS disability in Tennessee, your visual acuity with corrective lenses must be 20/200 or worse. You may also qualify based on your field of vision. The SSA considers a field of vision of 20 degrees or less to meet the criteria for legal blindness.

You may need to undergo an eye exam, and you will be expected to provide medical records that support your claim. Some tests that the SSA may require are a peripheral vision test and a visual acuity test.

Disability Benefits for Individuals with Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition in which pressure in the eye causes vision loss, most often peripheral vision loss. When you apply for SS disability benefits based on glaucoma, the SSA will perform a review of your medical records. In addition, the following details will be important:

  • Duration – your disability claim should show that your condition has been ongoing and you’ve been receiving medical treatment consistently
  • Employment impact – include documentation of how your glaucoma affects your ability to perform the job or vocation you’re qualified for

Can You Receive Disability Benefits for Cataracts?

Cataracts is another common eye condition, and while substantial vision impairment is possible, approval for disability benefits is not guaranteed. This condition causes the eye lens to become cloudy, and it is most commonly seen in older adults. To qualify for SS disability due to cataracts, the severity of the condition and the functional limitation it causes will be the focal point of the claim review.

Understanding Disability Claims for Partial or Blurry Vision

Navigating everyday life with partial vision loss or blurry vision can be challenging. This is especially true for people whose careers rely heavily on clear vision or visual acuity. If you have been considering applying for Social Security disability for your glaucoma, keep these crucial points in mind:

Medical Documentation is Crucial

Vision tests, ophthalmologist reports, past treatments, surgery records, and any other medical documentation that supports your claim regarding your eye condition will be vital to your Social Security claim.

Show Employment Impact

It is important that your claim clearly shows how your glaucoma prevents you from performing the job you have been trained for or are qualified for.

Symptoms of Underlying Conditions

For some people, glaucoma and blurry vision are caused by an underlying condition. For example, people with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts and glaucoma. If there is another medical condition that is causing your vision problems, you may want to include those details in your claim.

Navigating the Appeals Process for Denied Disability Claims

The denial rate for first-time Social Security claims is high. Nearly two-thirds of initial applications are denied. If your Tennessee disability claim is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision. In some cases, additional documentation may be all that’s needed. However, an appeal may lead to a hearing in front of a judge, which can be daunting for many applicants.

How a Disability Lawyer Can Assist You

A Social Security disability attorney will be able to help you gather the appropriate medical documentation, fill out the SSA paperwork, and represent you in an appeal. Contact the Law Office of Daniel Martin to schedule a free consultation and discuss the best way to move forward with your Tennessee Social Security disability claim.