Macular degeneration is a common eye disorder that mainly affects people over 50. Symptoms of macular degeneration include blurred or reduced central vision. This is due to the thinning of the macula, the part of the retina responsible for clear vision in your direct line of sight. There are two types of macular degeneration in adults: dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration.
The exact cause of macular degeneration is unknown, but it’s thought that a combination of several factors, including heredity, age, and lifestyle, play a part. According to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in the U.S., affecting more than 10 million Americans — more than cataracts and glaucoma combined. There is currently no cure for macular degeneration. Treatment options only slow the progression of vision loss.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits for Macular Degeneration
If the vision loss caused by your macular is so severe that you are unable to work, you may qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration.
While the SSA doesn’t have a specific listing for macular degeneration in their Blue Book Listing of Adult Impairments, you may still be able to qualify for benefits. In order to get benefits, you’ll have to demonstrate the impairments caused by your macular degeneration match those of an impairment that is listed.
Section 2.00 of the SSA’s Blue Book lists disabilities affecting the special senses (vision, hearing and speech). In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits for macular degeneration, you’ll have to be able to show that:
- Your best-corrected central visual acuity is 20/200 or less in your best eye.
- You have a best-corrected visual efficiency percentage of 20 or less in your best eye.
- Your best-corrected visual impairment value is 1.00 or greater.
In order to evaluate your claim, the SSA will require an eye examination that includes measurements of your best-corrected central visual acuity or the extent of your visual fields. If the standard eye examination does not indicate the cause of your vision loss (such as a cortical visual disorder), you’ll need to supply the information that establishes the presence of your visual disorder. If your visual disorder does not satisfy the criteria in 2.02, 2.03, or 2.04, you’ll have to demonstrate just how your visual disorder affects your ability to function.
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Speak to a Social Security Disability Attorney About Your Macular Degeneration Claim
Obtaining Social Security disability benefits for a macular degeneration-related visual impairment can be difficult. It’s not unusual for these kinds of claims to be denied on their first submission. Mark Whitehead & Associates can help. We have helped disabled individuals all over the U.S. obtain the disability benefits they are entitled to, even after their initial claims have been denied.
The law gives you the right to appeal the SSA’s decision. Don’t repeat the same errors that caused your claim to be rejected the first time around. Contact Mark Whitehead & Associates through our website or call us at 800-562-9830 to discuss your disability claim with an experienced, board-certified Social Security disability attorney.
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