How the SSA Determines Visual Acuity

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers disability benefits for those who meet the statutory definition of blindness. As defined in Sections 216(i)(1) and 1614(a)(2) of the Social Security Act, blindness is a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye even with the use of a correcting lens.

To determine disability, the SSA will use the best-corrected visual acuity for distance in a claimant's better eye. An eye visual field with a limitation where the widest diameter of that field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees is considered by the SSA to have vision acuity of 20/200 or less. If the acuity meets the SSA guideline definition of blindness, the claimant is eligible to receive disability benefits.

Testing for Visual Acuity

In testing for general visual acuity, the SSA generally uses a Snellen chart often utilized in basic eye exams. A Snellen chart provides a series of black letters of various sizes that decrease as the chart is read downward. The chart tests for the sharpness or retinal focus as well as the brain's interpretative faculty. Unlike the older Snellen charts, Newer charts such as the Bailey-Lovie and the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study provide lines that measure visual acuity that falls between 20/100 and 20/200, providing a more accurate measure.

The SSA assesses best-corrected visual acuity by using a specialized lens such as a contact lens worn by the claimant. However, this assessment is only performed where the lens has been worn on a sustained basis. The SSA will not, however, use measurements that were obtained with telescopic lenses as these types of lenses tend to significantly reduce a claimant's visual field. The SSA also will not use results obtained through pinhole testing or automated refraction acuity testing to determine a claimant's best-corrected visual acuity.

Testing for Visual Fields

Testing for visual fields is often performed in cases where the claimant has a visual disorder that reduces visual acuity such as glaucoma or optic neuropathy. In these cases, the assessment is done with an automated static threshold perimetry test performed on a perimeter to determine the extent of the visual loss. The perimeter must meet certain criteria that includes:

• using an optical projection to generate test stimuli
• an internal normative database that automatically compares the claimant's performance with that of the general population
• a statistical analysis package capable of calculating visual field indices that include mean deviations
• an ability to precisely detect the visual loss field as well as identify the normal visual fields
• clinical validation studies performed by three or more independent laboratories with published results

Evidence Needed to Establish Statutory Blindness

The only evidence required by the SSA to establish statutory blindness is evidence that shows that a claimant's visual acuity or visual field meets the aforementioned definition. The cause of the blindness does not have to be given. Additionally, there is no duration requirement (such as the claimant must have been statutorily blind for at least 12 months). However, if the claimant asserts a visual disorder, the SSA does require a report of an eye examination that includes assessment results of the best-corrected visual acuity or the extent of the visual fields.

Getting Legal Help

If you need to determine if you are eligible for disability benefits for blindness, you should discuss your case with a qualified Social Security representative who can provide you with relevant information. A liaison will also tell you what tests you must undergo and the requisite paperwork that must be submitted. If you qualify, you will be eligible to receive either Social Security Disability Insurance or its alternative Supplemental Security Income. Even if your blindness does not meet the SSA's definition, you may still receive benefits if your vision problems alone or combined with other conditions prevent you from working.

If you need further assistance, contact a qualified lawyer who specializes in disability benefits to help you with your case.