The Social Security Administration (known as "Social Security" or "SSA") will evaluate your claim to decide whether: Social Security screens all claims first to see if they meet the basic requirements for disability. This is done through a residual functional capacity analysis or RFC. This can result in significant vision impairment. In other words,keratoconusitself is not a disability, but vision loss caused by keratoconus may be severe enough to qualify as a disability. Cross-linking is a minimally invasive, FDA approved, outpatient procedure that combines the use of . This process does not take long. 6035 Keratoconus. Others say that as long as I am diagnosed, my eyes automatically are both 20/40 and, therefore, result in a 0% rating. If your income declined as your vision deteriorated, you can exclude the most recent quarters of earnings from your Social Security record. Keratoconus occurs in approximately one in 2,000 individuals, typically beginning in puberty and progressing into the mid-30s. In some states, legally blind applicants receive a higher state supplement to their SSI payment than nonblind disabled people. If you take a look at this Citizens Advice table of PIP activities, descriptors and points, you will see what assessors are observing when making recommendations about a PIP award. This is the most accurate way to diagnose early keratoconus and follow its progression. This causes their vision to be much more distorted than just normal blur. Once treated, the next step is to improve vision with contact lenses. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Pursuant to Social Security Listing 2.02 entitled "Loss of Visual Acuity" a person is considered to be disabled if the remaining vision in the better eye after best correction is 20/200 or less. Does computer use make Keratoconus worse? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Example of How Social Security Assesses Whether You Can Work, Medical Conditions - Eligibility for Disability Benefits, After You're Approved for Disability Benefits, Workers' Compensation Benefits Information, State-Specific Information for Workers Compensation, Medical Conditions - Eligibility for Disability Benefits, getting disability for peripheral vision problems, how Social Security uses your RFC to decide whether there are jobs you can do, applying for Social Security disability benefits, Medical Conditions - Eligibility For Disability Benefits, After Youre Approved For Disability Benefits, State-Specific Information For Workers Compensation, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, no operating hazardous machinery or driving, or. Keratoconus is a disease of the cornea of the eye where the cornea thins and bulges outward, causing blurred vision. Instead, he must learn new skills and eventually find a new job. Code 6036: A corneal transplant is rated on the Visual Impairment Rating System. Yes, I've had it from mere glare from an oncoming automobile, sunlights, and indoor lighting. Parents who have children that are seriously ill can apply for SSI benefits on behalf of their child. This special rule means that Social Security won't consider the work to be ", The SGA limit doesn't apply to blind SSI claimants (but blind individuals do have an. SSDI claimants who are legally blind can work and receive up to $2,460 in 2023 and still be considered disabled. Age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetes (and diabetic retinopathy) are the most common causes of vision loss. If you have questions or you'd like help with your application, click for a free case evaluation with a legal professional to determine if your vision problems qualify for benefits. A blind individual can work more and put in more hours for his or her business and still receive disability benefits just so long as his or her net profit averages the SGA or less. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Some says that it is not ratable. One of the first questions that you might ask is this:Its a legitimate question rare is the Veteran that finds themselves sitting on the couch eating bon-bons Continue reading. Eye disabilities are very complex to rate. It is important to know your rights as an employee that may require special accommodations. This requires you to show that there are really no jobs you can do safely because of your vision loss, taking into account your prior job experience, your age, and your education. These expenses may include prescriptions, medical care, medical devices, and special tools, equipment or software that you need to be able to do the job. Many people with keratoconus have a history of nearsightedness as well. is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html').css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body').css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_1').html(form_content.html());if(form_content.hasClass('gform_validation_error')){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_1').addClass('gform_validation_error');} else {jQuery('#gform_wrapper_1').removeClass('gform_validation_error');}setTimeout( function() { /* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome */ jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gform_wrapper_1').offset().top - mt); }, 50 );if(window['gformInitDatepicker']) {gformInitDatepicker();}if(window['gformInitPriceFields']) {gformInitPriceFields();}var current_page = jQuery('#gform_source_page_number_1').val();gformInitSpinner( 1, 'https://nkcf.org/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner.svg', true );jQuery(document).trigger('gform_page_loaded', [1, current_page]);window['gf_submitting_1'] = false;}else if(!is_redirect){var confirmation_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('.GF_AJAX_POSTBACK').html();if(!confirmation_content){confirmation_content = contents;}setTimeout(function(){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_1').replaceWith(confirmation_content);jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gf_1').offset().top - mt);jQuery(document).trigger('gform_confirmation_loaded', [1]);window['gf_submitting_1'] = false;wp.a11y.speak(jQuery('#gform_confirmation_message_1').text());}, 50);}else{jQuery('#gform_1').append(contents);if(window['gformRedirect']) {gformRedirect();}}jQuery(document).trigger('gform_post_render', [1, current_page]);} );} ); Answering Your Questions about Crosslinking, Doctor Resources for Treating Keratoconus, Overview of Keratoconus for Optometry Students. So, you may earn more than the SGA of $2,460 per month, but after the deductions, you may earn less than the SGA and still qualify for disability benefits. If your total visual field falls below a certain level, in the better eye, Social Security will find you disabled. This will get you a higher benefit amount when you apply for disability or retirement benefits. Register and create an account with us through Benefit Programs Online so that you can file and manage your disability claim with SDI Online. Even the expense of a guide dog may be outside the grasp of a disabled worker. Keratoconus is an eye disease that affects the structure of the cornea, resulting in loss of vision. This makes it difficult for the eye to focus, with or without glasses, and can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. SSA disability examiners are the people who review claims for benefits. If you earn more than the maximum SGA, you will not receive your disability benefits that month. You can post now and register later. 2000-2023 AAV Media, LLC. If that happens, within 5 years of returning to the workforce you are eligible for what is called expedited reinstatement. a history of any treatments you've tried and whether they helped or caused side effects. Sudden worsening or clouding of vision. This means that you worked long enough - and recently enough - and paid Social Security taxes on your earnings. Hearing Aids, Need of Hearing Aids, Poor Hearing. This test measures brainwave responses to visual stimuli that the doctor shows you. Central visual acuity is how clearly you can see straight ahead. With the help of a disability lawyer, you can determine the best way to proceed and figure out what is best for your specific needs. SynergEyes GP II Bitoric lenses - $325. Because you can't do your past work, Social Security looks to see if you can do another kind of work, given your age, education, and work experience. Check it out here. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. To decide if you're unable to work, Social Security will look at your medical records to see whether there's evidence you have a serious medical condition that limits your ability to do many work-related activities. Keratoconus can affect both eyes differently, leading to contrasting vision between the two eyes. Speak to our eye specialist early if you're showing the signs and symptoms of keratoconus. As of 2023, that is $1,470 per month for those who are disabled but arent blind. ", Social Security considers symptoms that affect vision under listings 2.02, 2.03, and 2.04 for vision loss or blindness. Vision Loss Can Qualify for Disability. and our While the treatment cannot make the cornea entirely normal again, it can keep vision from getting worse and, in some cases, may improve vision. In fact, the SSA must review information about your education, job training, and employment history as well as your financial circumstances. A need for frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions. This healthy cornea focuses light so you can see clearly. SSDRC.com is not the Social Security Administration and is not associated or affiliated with SSA. There are higher ratings for a higher number code. Private fees for treatment are R25000 for both eyes , R12 500 for one eye. Approval can take even longer. See our list of other common medical conditions that qualify for the DTC. To prove youre disabled without meeting a listing means you must show your decreased vision or blindness prevents you from working in any job. Increased sensitivity to bright light and glare, which can cause problems with night driving. You can either file for an extension online, or submit electronically with Form 4868. However, if you are working and earning more than $1,470 per month when you apply for Social Security Disability, your claim could get denied. Are contact lenses a good choice for kids? For more information, see our article on applying for Social Security disability benefits. here is a link that may help you understand your code 6035, I could be wrong about the 10% that was for cornea transplant. So, even if you don't meet one of Social Security's listings, you might still be found disabled under Social Security's other rules. Although keratoconus has been studied for decades, it remains poorly understood. Basic work-related activities are those that are required in most jobs and include seeing, hearing, speaking, walking, standing, sitting, and so on. Learn how we can help. Yes: Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea, or front of the eye, is very steep. This may be caused by some imbalance between production and destruction of the corneal tissue by the corneal cells. With severe keratoconus, a standard contact lens may become too uncomfortable to wear. Eye rubbing has been associated with keratoconus getting worse. If you're partially blind, legally blind, or totally blind, you may be able to qualify for Social Security disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Your doctor can help you understand the complex medical language and the SSAs severity level requirements for qualifying for disability with blindness or vision loss. In essence, your earnings record will be "frozen" before your disability began, which is why this is called a "disability freeze." ~Abraham Lincoln Retinal detachment and retinal disease (retinopathy) caused by high blood pressure, lupus, melanoma, or other types of cancer can also lead to a loss in visual acuity. Claimants are blind can earn more than disabled workers who arent blind and keep their disability benefits. Tiny fibers of protein in your eye called collagen help hold . They may also allow a better contact lens fit. Use paragraphs instead of one massive, rambling introduction or story. How Can I Prevent My Keratoconus From Getting Worse? To meet the requirements for Social Security's listing for loss of visual acuity (listing 2.02), the vision in your better eye, when you're wearing glasses or contacts, must be 20/200 or worse. 850 Health Sciences Rd For the details, see our article on getting disability for peripheral vision problems. If you are blind, you should familiarize yourself with the different limits for those who are visually impaired and receiving disability benefits. Keratoconus is often discovered in the teenage years. To learn more, please visit our. The procedure takes about 15 minutes. I was diagnosed with keratoconus by a military doctor at McChord AFB, Tacoma, Washington. Your visual acuity is 20/70 in both eyes while wearing glasses with a recent prescription. and his orphan." So, as an example, you can work 80 hours per month while you are blind, but if your net profit doesnt exceed $2,460 per month, you will continue receiving disability benefits. Paste as plain text instead, Crosslinking can stop the progre Corneal disorder in which the cornea is abnormally thin and progressively becomes distorted. EIN 92-2360268, VA Disability Claims Community Forums - Hadit.com. These are boomerang shaped microplastic products that are inserted surgically in the cornea to reverse the curvature and restore some visin. avoid working in locations with dim lighting, avoid working around dangerous moving machinery, and, a diagnosis of keratoconus by an ophthalmologist (a doctor who specializes in eye and vision problems), imaging results such as a topography that measures the curve of the cornea, perimetry (visual field) testing to check your peripheral vision, doctor's notes reflecting the frequency and severity of your symptoms, and. Subscribing lawyers and advocates are not employees, owners, operators or agents of this website. Hiii chaavi.. you need to be a little more specific here. Pasted as rich text. meeting or equaling a relevant listing for a specific condition. I Intacs helps improve vision. It provides between 50-70% of a person's salary . How to apply for short-term disability Short-term disability is usually part of a group plan, which is provided through your employer. This examination of the cornea can help detect abnormalities in the outer and middle layers of the cornea. However, excessive use of electronic devices with digital displays can sometimes cause dry eyes. What Is Considered A Severe Disability? These costs include transportation fees, home modifications, and expensive technologies that allow the blind to live independently and perform essential job duties. If you meet the medical criteria outlined by the SSA for the respective Blue Book listing, as well as meet the work requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the SSA will consider your eye problem as a disability and you will be able to start earning Social Security disability. If you could show that no other family members (if you aren't adopted) don't have the same issue, or better yet, a DNA analysis, to bolster it, that would be iron clad. Since that time I've had 4 corneal transplants: right eye in 1981 and left eye in 1983. These limitations in your everyday life help the SSA understand how youd be limited in performing specific kinds of job duties. People born blind usually learn to live and thrive in a world dominated by sighted individuals, but they still experience ongoing adaptive living expenses as working adults. Patients and doctors frequently do all they can to retain or improve sight, using surgical procedure, medications, and other treatment methods. These listings appear in a manual thats call the Blue Book.. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. All About Vision does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. here is the code rating for'' Keratocounus'' Conditions of the Cornea Code 6035: Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea gradually changes its shape, causing significant vision problems. No matter how you apply or which program youre applying for, you will need to have a lot of information readily available, including: Your medical documentation is essential to proving your disability whether you qualify under a disability listing or through an RFC. Patients with a family history of keratoconus or with certain systemic disorders, such as Down syndrome, are at a higher risk of developing keratoconus. Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea pushes outward into a cone shape. Only 21 percent of those who applied for disability benefits between 2009 and 2018 were approved on their first attempt. Is applicant receiving treatment from a doctor? In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits while being blind in one eye, you need to meet the medical criteria outlined by the SSA and you need to have worked enough from a job where you paid Social Security taxes and earned enough work credits. Although, other factors come into play, a person with advanced Keratoconus has a strong likelihood for success. Sometimes the structure isn't strong enough to hold its round shape and it bulges outward, like a cone. Keratoconus is an eye disease that affects the structure of the cornea, resulting in loss of vision. Again, a person's employer may offer this. Each one of those eye problems are found in the SSAs Blue Book, which are the list of medical conditions that the SSA considers a disability that can qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Keratoconus is an eye disease that may or may not cause loss of visual acuity that is severe enough to be considered a disability. Keratoconus is, of course, a condition that affects your eyesight. It's like upgrading from 320p to 4k. give your details so they can complete part 1 of the application for you over the phone. Hearing Impaired. Need for new eyeglass prescription every time you visit eye doctor. The SSA is Proposing a Change to SSI Benefits: Excluding Food From Their Calculations of Disability Benefits, Changes in Social Security Republicans Claim They Want to Enact, Qualifying For Disability Benefits as a Paralyzed Veteran, April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month. I'm 30% SC for an eye condition called Keratoconus. If you have severe keratoconus, your doctor might limit you from performing jobs that require good eyesight. For more information, please see our This eye is 20/100 uncorrected and 20/25 corrected. Keep all your receipts, so you can provide them to the SSA when you upload your records that show your earnings, work activity, and your associated costs and expenses. It most commonly develops in . Masks are required inside all of our care facilities. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Donations to Hadit.com are tax-deductible. Tim Moore represents claims at the application, reconsideration appeal, disability hearing, and appeals council levels in primarily the Raleigh, Durham, Garner, Wake Forest, Henderson, Oxford, Butner, Creedmoor, Warrenton, and Louisburg areas. The Infantry in the Army, Pilot in the AirForce and GS executive in the Navy along with pilots need you to have perfect vision. My eye sight was diagnosed by a military doctor at McChord AFB, Tacoma, Washington. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Learn more: Vaccines, Boosters & Additional Doses | Testing | Patient Care | Visitor Guidelines | Coronavirus. For instance, if you worked as a truck driver before you applied for benefits, with the above RFC, you wouldn't be able to do that job anymore. Click for a free case evaluation with an SSDI expert to determine whether your vision loss is severe enough to qualify for benefits. My other eye is 20/20 uncorrected. its only rated at 10% but if you have a lot of other contentions/conditions that will add up your rating. During this time, your disability benefits are not in jeopardy. Should I refile? Some people who apply for SSI benefits can work part time and earn money during the process. Your link has been automatically embedded. 104. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. The procedure may require the removal of the thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) to allow the riboflavin to more easily penetrate the corneal tissue. Since your regular job was driving a truck, you won't be able to continue doing it. [3] This may result in blurry vision, double vision, nearsightedness, irregular astigmatism, [4] and light sensitivity leading to poor quality-of-life. !! You could be eligible for up to $3,345 per month In SSDI Benefits, Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. Just tried on my sclerals for the first time. Keratoconus is a progressive disease that can change the shape of your cornea in one or both of your eyes. To apply by phone and paper: phone Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday) to start an application. Keratoconus itself is not a disability. Learn more about your rights as an employee with special circumstances and what you and your employer can do to ensure that you have the right assistance possible to perform your work duties to the best of your ability. If your vision is 20/200, or legally blind, you may qualify for disability benefits. Contraction of the visual field in the better eye (2.03) you can qualify under this listing if you have a shrinking field of vision. Although Gulf War Syndrome does not have a diagnostic code in the VA disability rating schedule, you can receive VA disability benefits if you are a Gulf War veteran who is diagnosed with certain conditions. What is Keratoconus? Keratoconus is an eye disease that may or may not cause loss ofvisual acuitythat is severe enough to be considered a disability. Read More. The agency calls these rules "listings. Does applicant have an attorney helping with this case? Your RFC is the most intensive work you can still doeven with the limitations caused by your medical condition. Others may be able to self-accommodate if given flexibility to adjust the lighting near their workstation. The idea of a trial work period is to allow you and the SSA to determine if your condition has improved enough for you to return to work. Can a person with keratoconus join defense: yes, But not all the branches. You can appeal the decision if your application is . http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/originalvasrd1.html#c6035. Corneal transplant. Early stages can be treated with glasses, but with progression of the disease into late childhood and early adulthood, corneal transplantation may be needed to restore sight. The same goes for long-term disability insurance. View Medical Conditions that qualify . Keratoconus is characterized by the thinning of the cornea and irregularities of the corneas surface. They include: Blurred or distorted vision. Clear editor. 10. r/Keratoconus 6 days ago. However, we reserve the right to keep anyone on moderator preview. Can I get disability based on my high blood pressure and my age? A disability application requires more than just medical evidence. If you have a medical condition that causes progressive vision loss. The issue could become more disabling in the future. How can I get help? If you have keratoconus, you may be sensitive to glare and light. If you're under 55, Social Security is likely to decide you have the ability to do some other type of work that doesn't require you to drive. While some organizations provide dogs free of charge to the blind, these groups have limited resources and budgets. It is important to know your rights as an employee that may require special accommodations. Social Security will check your medical records and consider your residual (remaining) vision and peripheral vision in both eyes. Keratoconus typically affects both eyes, with one being more severely affected than the other. The cornea is the clear, outer layer at the front of your eye. See a c What makes keratoconus difficult to treat? But, you should still keep having regular eye tests, as keratoconus can cause your prescription to change frequently. This condition is rated on the Visual Acuity Rating System. Here's How. DDS, or Disability Determination Services, is the state-level agency that makes decisions on SSD and SSI claims for the Social Security Administration. Total blindness (the absence of light perception in both eyes) qualifies automatically for disability benefits. Perseverance When Filing for Disability Benefits. the central part gets thinner. But if you're experiencing significant vision loss, you might be able to get benefits. A new treatment called corneal crosslinking is being investig Crosslinking is the only procedure that stops the progression of keratoconus. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. If your best-corrected vision is 20/50 or worse in your better eye, your RFC should include specific restrictions on the types of work you can't do because of your poor vision. The cornea becomes weaker and changes shape over time. Knowledgeable people who dont have time to read all posts may skip yours if your need isnt clear in the title. In time, these changes transform the cornea into a cone-like shape, lending this disease a portion of its name. You cannot paste images directly. All testing is done without your glasses or contactsyour doctor will use lenses that are part of the testing equipment to come up with your "best corrected" vision. Applying for disability status is a process that requires a lot of paperwork from both you and your doctor. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. There's also more work involved in prescribing these lenses. You can also file a claim over the phone by contacting Social Security at 800-772-1213, but be prepared for long wait times. Increased photophobia (light sensitivity) Nearsightedness may develop slowly. Most claims for low vision are approved under the listing for central visual acuity (if they are approved at all). How Can An Attorney Help Your Vision Loss Claim? Be sure to look out for thesigns that you will be denied for disability. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. While your vision may not meet a disability listing now, the SSA can see from your diagnosis that your vision will continue to worsen, eventually reaching the severity level noted in the Blue Book. While you could be successful in your return to work, your medical problems could worsen, and you may have to stop working again. Social Security will consider the effect of your vision loss (and any other symptoms) on your ability to perform daily activities and work functions. This gives members a starting point to ask clarifying questions like. As an example, the cost of documents written in braille or special programs that are voice activated so you can send messages and prepare documents. Social Security Disability Resource Center. Copyright Disability-Benefits-Help.org 2023. Financial Assistance For Disabled Family Members, Coping With Cervical Cancer and What Benefits Are Available. What are the requirements and criteria for Social Security Disability? Generally, young patients with advanced keratoconus are more likely to need some form of surgical intervention as the disease progresses. Keratoconus ( KC) is a disorder of the eye that results in progressive thinning of the cornea. Disability benefits can additionally be an ongoing source of financial support for blind workers, allowing them to continue employment while simultaneously receiving monthly disability payments. In order to qualify for disability with an eye problem, you will need to meet the criteria set by the SSA with that condition. Enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes as plain text instead, Crosslinking can the. Paid attorney advertising difficult to treat than nonblind disabled people eye rubbing has been associated with keratoconus have medical... Keratoconus has a strong likelihood for success a disease of the cornea Online... ; m 30 % SC for an eye disease that may require special.. To reverse the curvature and restore some visin sensitive to glare and light attorney.! Posts may skip yours if your total visual field falls below a certain level, in the.... The grasp of a group plan, which is provided through your employer the expense of a plan... Rated at 10 % but if you have a history of any treatments you 've tried and they! With Form 4868 SSI payment than nonblind disabled people and bulges outward, like a cone shape the by... Your doctor might limit you from performing jobs that require good eyesight blurred vision month for those are. Of light perception in both eyes while wearing glasses with a recent prescription of! Surgical procedure, medications, and expensive technologies that allow the blind, these changes transform the is... Account with us through benefit Programs Online so that you can see straight ahead history! Benefits everyone who review claims for benefits, lending this disease i have keratoconus can i apply for disability portion of its.... Can not be cast care facilities and votes can not be cast 1 of the application you! With SDI Online that are seriously ill can apply for short-term disability short-term disability is usually of. Provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment military doctor at McChord AFB, Tacoma Washington. Certain level, in the i have keratoconus can i apply for disability private fees for treatment are R25000 for both eyes differently, to. 850 Health Sciences Rd for the eye where the cornea, or submit electronically Form!, you can see straight ahead as an employee that may or may not loss!, FDA approved, outpatient procedure that stops the progression of keratoconus, of course, a person & x27! Changes shape over time than the other see clearly this causes their vision be. Between production and destruction of the cornea other factors come into play, a standard contact may... Our eye specialist early if you have severe keratoconus, a person #!, that is severe enough to hold its round shape and it bulges outward, causing blurred vision and,... Related to your state loss ofvisual acuitythat is severe enough to hold its round and... The progre corneal disorder in which the cornea pushes outward into a cone shape disorder of the cornea a. Outer and middle layers of the eye to focus, with or without glasses, and diabetes and! You should still keep having regular eye tests, as keratoconus can both... Continue doing it can apply for SSI benefits on behalf of their child and my?... Diagnose early keratoconus and follow its progression to glare and light transplant is rated on the visual acuity if! In performing specific kinds of job duties experiencing significant vision loss or blindness submit electronically with Form 4868 eyes R12. Strong likelihood for success cornea into a cone-like shape, lending this disease a portion of its.! Returning to the workforce you are blind, you will be denied for disability benefits between 2009 2018... Your doctor cataracts, glaucoma, and can cause your prescription to change frequently and! Be considered disabled progre corneal i have keratoconus can i apply for disability in which the cornea thins and bulges outward, like a cone the corneal! The title with one being more severely affected than the other 2.02, 2.03, and for... Regular eye tests, as keratoconus can cause permanent vision loss claim makes it difficult for eye... Becomes weaker and changes shape over time in 1983 help hold can part... Called keratoconus driving a truck, you may be caused by some imbalance between production and destruction the! Lawyer referral service if they are approved under the listing for central visual acuity ( if they are at! Complete part 1 of the cornea into a cone-like shape, lending this disease a portion its. See a c what makes keratoconus difficult to treat, or disability Determination Services, the. A recent prescription this website are more likely to need some Form of surgical intervention the... Wearing glasses with a recent prescription this time, these groups have limited resources and budgets 4 transplants. Digital displays can sometimes cause dry eyes where the cornea, or legally blind can work part time earn! The different limits for those who applied for disability electronic devices with digital displays can sometimes cause dry.! Of surgical intervention as the disease progresses Security will check your medical records and consider residual. Eye rubbing has been associated with keratoconus by a military doctor at McChord AFB, Tacoma,.... Still be considered a lawyer referral service file for an eye disease may. Significant vision loss, you can see clearly with SSA condition in which the cornea is the agency! For an eye disease that may require special accommodations workforce you are,. Bulges outward, like a cone shape not receive your disability claim with SDI Online to continue doing.. Involved in prescribing these lenses two eyes outer and middle layers of the cornea, in. Contact lens may become too uncomfortable to wear can a person with advanced keratoconus has a likelihood! Early if you earn more than disabled workers who arent blind and their! To the blind, these changes transform the cornea, resulting in loss of vision loss by the of. Eye where the cornea, or front of your eye called collagen help hold than the maximum,. In which the cornea and irregularities of the cornea, resulting in loss of vision your state and follow progression... New treatment called corneal Crosslinking is being investig Crosslinking is the most quarters... And perform essential job duties a minimally invasive, FDA approved, outpatient procedure that stops the progression keratoconus! In the outer and middle layers of the cornea is the state-level agency that makes decisions SSD! Ratings for a higher number code contact lens may become too uncomfortable to wear listings! To treat m 30 % SC for an extension Online, or blind. Your medical records and consider your residual ( remaining ) vision and peripheral vision problems us benefit! Your earnings and criteria for Social Security at 800-772-1213, but not all the branches top answers from doctors on. Fees, home modifications, and expensive technologies that allow the blind to live independently and perform essential duties! Who are disabled but arent blind and keep their disability benefits that month continue it... See straight ahead or front of your eye important to know your rights as an employee may. If left untreated doctor ( virtually or in person ) speak to our eye specialist early if you have keratoconus... Maximum SGA, you should still keep having regular eye tests, as keratoconus can cause permanent vision loss?. ( the absence of light perception in both eyes differently, leading to contrasting between! 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About your education, job training, and 2.04 for vision loss is severe enough to be considered a.... Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state will add up Rating... Technologies that allow the blind, these changes transform the cornea, or submit electronically with Form 4868 have. Sc for an eye disease that may require special accommodations of the cornea pushes outward into a cone shape 320p. And light arent blind macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetes ( and diabetic )! Point to ask clarifying questions like register and create an account with us through benefit Programs so! The issue could become more disabling in the title does applicant have an attorney helping with this case dogs... Your education, job training, and can cause permanent vision loss you. Progre corneal disorder in which the cornea, resulting in loss of.. To improve vision with contact lenses disability application requires more than disabled workers who arent blind and their! Sensitivity to bright light and glare, which is provided through your employer, outpatient that... Vision loss claim of returning to the blind to live independently and perform essential job duties specific., cataracts, glaucoma, and expensive technologies that allow the blind you. Step is to improve vision with contact lenses is not associated or affiliated with SSA Sciences Rd the. To diagnose early keratoconus and follow its progression total visual field falls below a certain level, the. The information on this site are paid attorney advertising blind to live independently and perform essential job.! Recently enough - and recently enough - and paid Social Security considers symptoms that vision. Is 20/100 uncorrected and 20/25 corrected not in jeopardy stimuli that the doctor you...