Visual acuity relates to your ability to see things at a distance and see detail. Your visual field reflects how wide of an angle you can see at – vertical and horizontal. Visual efficiency combines both of these things. If you are experiencing a loss of visual efficiency, it means you can only see things within a narrow window, and that the clarity isn’t very good, even in that window.
Poor visual efficiency not only impacts your ability to hold a job but also to successfully engage in the activities of daily living, so it’s no surprise the Social Security Administration has included it in their Listings of Impairments. This compendium of disorders lists every single disability that Social Security recognizes and includes a definition and criteria to qualify for benefits for each one.
Matching one of these listings is the first way you can qualify to receive benefits. First, you need to determine that the issue you’re suffering from is actually included in the listings. Then you have to check to ensure you meet the specific criteria for that listing.
The second way to get benefits should only be used if you are unable to prove that you meet the criteria in the Listings of Impairments, because it’s not as simple or straightforward. You need to use the Five Step Sequential Evaluation Process to prove that your problem is equivalent to a disorder that is included in the Listings. You do this by showing that your condition hasn’t allowed you to work for 12 months or more.
Before going that route though, you should always see if you can match the requirements of a specific listing.
Loss of Visual Efficiency Criteria
How do you qualify for benefits under Listing 2.04? The SSA requires you to prove that your better eye has a visual efficiency of 20 percent or lower after you have undergone the best correction. To get to this number, you have to measure your visual acuity efficiency as well as your visual field efficiency and then combine the findings.
Tests that the SSA accepts for this impairment include:
- Saccade Testing of Visual Fields
- Electrooculography
- Twinkle Test
- Ophthalmoscopy
- Tonometry
- Automated Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Ocular Ultrasound
- Tonography
- Strabismus Tests
- Fluorescein Angiography
- Electroretinography
- Visual Evoked Responses
- S100B Protein
- Cystatin C
- Laser Doppler Flowmetry
- Visual Acuity Tests
- Transcorneal Transillumination
- Swinging Flashlight Test
- Slit Lamp Examination
- Shirmer’s Test
- Refraction
- Keratometry and Keratoscopy
- Endothelial Photography
It doesn’t really matter which accepted test you use. If you get positive results, you’ll help to prove your case and increase your likelihood of getting benefits.
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The Listing Isn’t Everything
What if you can’t meet the criteria in the listing? Is that the end? No! Remember, you can always go through the Five Step Sequential Evaluation Process. Those who have to go this route should seek professional counsel because of how complicated it can be, but if you truly need the benefits, it’s worth the effort.
Whichever route you choose to qualify through, it pays to understand how the SSA works and what evidence truly will help your case. Because of this, your chances of success can increase if you work with an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer professional who can answer your Social Security questions and guide you through the process. Learn even more about the claims process by reading our Social Security Disability eBook for free.
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