You can find a description of the vision loss or blindness listing requirements here. National Keratoconus Foundation In almost all cases, glasses or a contact lens are necessary to provide the clearest vision after transplant surgery. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. With severe keratoconus, a standard contact lens may become too uncomfortable to wear. the central part gets thinner. If you return to work and you dont earn more than the SGA, you will continue receiving your disability benefits. To get past this step, you have to have an impairment that interferes with basic work-related activities. 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. To qualify for Social Security disability, you must expect to be disabled for at least 12 months. A disability examiner (I am a former examiner) would look at the case in two ways. If you have severe keratoconus, your doctor might limit you from performing jobs that require good eyesight. This is the standard for what's called legal blindness, or "statutory blindness," even though it's technically only partial blindness. Since that time I've had 4 corneal transplants: right eye in 1981 and left eye in 1983. Copyright Disability-Benefits-Help.org 2023. This is especially important to realize if you are unable to work due to legal blindness for at least 12 months. Keratoconus is an eye disease that may or may not cause loss ofvisual acuitythat is severe enough to be considered a disability. He or she can also determine any gaps in your medical documentation and fill in those gaps by completing evaluations according to SSA documentation standards. A decrease in average earnings or total loss of income from work after vision loss is common too, with workers often being unable to continue employment in their traditional field. I'm shocked, I forgot how skin and hair texture looks like on people. However, there is an income requirement that anyone applying for SSI benefits must meet before the application for benefits will be . While some organizations provide dogs free of charge to the blind, these groups have limited resources and budgets. If your income declined as your vision deteriorated, you can exclude the most recent quarters of earnings from your Social Security record. So2Clear Corneal Scleral lens - $400. If you don't qualify for disability benefits under Social Security's listings for poor visual acuity or peripheral vision, you'll move to the next part of the disability determination process. Social Security requires you to have a physical examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist to measure your visual acuity. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. Keep reading for some treatment options to consider if you have keratoconus! This makes it difficult for the eye to focus, with or without glasses, and can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. Copyright 2022 Social Security Disability Resource Center - All rights reserved. Out of the 14 million Americans who suffer from visual impairments, about 200,000 have keratoconus. Is polycystic kidney disease a disability. Medicare, Medicaid, and Keratoconus. Having keratoconus shouldn't stop you from working. There are higher ratings for a higher number code. What are the requirements and criteria for Social Security Disability? If one of your eyes meets the requirements of a listing and the other eye does not (this would be the better eye), you don't "meet the listing.". Over the years I have had 4 corneal transplants (two in each eye) and three relaxation surgeries in which small incisions were made in the cornea to alter its shape. It is published by Tim Moore, an Accredited Disability Representative and a former DDS Claims Examiner in North Carolina. Keratoconus causes the corneal tissue to de Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea, or front of the eye, is very steep. This can result in significant vision impairment. Question A. I was previously denied for apnea Should I refile a claim? What makes keratoconus get better and worse? For the period from April 22, 2009, the Veteran's keratoconus was productive of best corrected visual acuity of 20/400 in the right eye and ranging from 20/100 to 20/150+2 in the left eye. so your eye disability could possibly be rating more than 10% depending on the severity. If you have significant vision loss from keratoconus, visit akeratoconus specialistto determine if one of these new treatment options (or possibly acornea transplant) can improve your visual acuity and eliminate any potential disability from keratoconus. There are some conditions that are responsible for the keratoconus severity. When does Social Security pay the first disability benefit check? The review requirement will usually be removed by the 6th post. I'm 30% SC for an eye condition called Keratoconus. To learn more, please visit our. To evaluate claims based on the medical evidence alone, Social Security has three "listings" in its impairment manual that apply to claims involving loss of vision. After taking 90 days of short-term disability, a person may need to apply for long-term disability. Vietnam Veteran old Dog You can post now and register later. Are contact lenses a good choice for kids? Collagen makes the cornea strong and flexible, and helps keep its regular, round shape. Should I refile? Perseverance When Filing for Disability Benefits. If you are interested, Dr. Brian can provide a complimentary record review prior to you scheduling an appointment at the institute . To prove youre disabled without meeting a listing means you must show your decreased vision or blindness prevents you from working in any job. After the claims examiner feels that your file has sufficient evidence to make a decision, a medical consultant (doctor or optometrist) decide whether you are legally blind. Social Security would then look to see if there are any other jobs that someone with your vision limitations could be expected to do. Cross-linking is a minimally invasive, FDA approved, outpatient procedure that combines the use of . 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. 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. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Sometimes the structure isn't strong enough to hold its round shape and it bulges outward, like a cone. The amount of VA benefits paid is dependent on the percentage of disability. 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. They include: Blurred or distorted vision. The content on this site is for informational purposes only. If your eye doctor determines that you might have keratoconus, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist who has had special training in corneal disease and surgery. But, you should still keep having regular eye tests, as keratoconus can cause your prescription to change frequently. Since your regular job was driving a truck, you won't be able to continue doing it. Keratoconus is a disease of the cornea of the eye where the cornea thins and bulges outward, causing blurred vision. Increased sensitivity to bright light and glare, which can cause problems with night driving. SSA disability examiners are the people who review claims for benefits. Be sure to look out for thesigns that you will be denied for 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. Eye rubbing has been associated with keratoconus getting worse. You automatically qualify for coverage without the need for underwriting. You'll be asked to read letters from a chart at a certain distance away (a "Snellen" chart). Once treated, the next step is to improve vision with contact lenses. Medicaid: Eligibility and Vision Benefits. To complete the disability application, you'll need detailed information, including the contact information and dates of treatment for all of your medical providers, the dates of any medical tests, and the names, addresses, and dates of employment for all of your employers in the last 15 years. 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. How Can An Attorney Help Your Vision Loss Claim? (For example, you won't meet the requirements of listing 2.02, for a loss of "central visual acuity," unless you have 20/200 vision or worse in both eyes, while you're wearing glasses or contacts.). I was diagnosed with keratoconus by a military doctor at McChord AFB, Tacoma, Washington. Social Security Disability Resource Center. Those who are blind can receive up to $2,460 for per month in 2023 from disability benefits. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. For more information, see our article on applying for Social Security disability benefits. While you could be successful in your return to work, your medical problems could worsen, and you may have to stop working again. Upload or insert images from URL. During this time, your disability benefits are not in jeopardy. Hearing Aids, Need of Hearing Aids, Poor Hearing. If you smoke STOP NOW its not easy and its never to late please don't let open heart by pass surgery be a good motivator to Quit. On average, it takes three to five months to process an application for disability benefits. Your doctor must measure your vision with specific. As keratoconus develops, it can lead to a severe loss of vision, corneal thinning and scarring. 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. Donations to Hadit.com are tax-deductible. 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. Knowledgeable people who dont have time to read all posts may skip yours if your need isnt clear in the title. But, it gets so severe that it is declared as a disability. Can Veterans Get Denied Disability Benefits? These conditionsthat may qualifyfor disability benefits due to vision loss includeglaucoma, retinopathy, and traumatic injury, among others. The same goes for long-term disability insurance. A trained ophthalmologist can interpret corneal imaging studies and determine if you need cross-linking or a cornea transplant. Use paragraphs instead of one massive, rambling introduction or story. Even after your 9-month trial work period has expired, you can still receive disability benefits for any month that you do not earn more than the SGA amount of $2,460. If you earn more than the maximum SGA, you will not receive your disability benefits that month. 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. There is no clear evidence that computer use or using other digital devices such as tablets, e-readers and smart phones will cause keratoconus to worsen. Claimants are blind can earn more than disabled workers who arent blind and keep their disability benefits. It provides between 50-70% of a person's salary . See a c What makes keratoconus difficult to treat? There's also more work involved in prescribing these lenses. Subscribing lawyers and advocates are not employees, owners, operators or agents of this website. The Social Security Disability Resource Center explains how to win your disability benefits and avoid mistakes that are time-consuming and costly. They may also allow a better contact lens fit. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. We'll go over the information you need to know about eligibility, appeals, and. SynergEyes GP II Bitoric lenses - $325. I Intacs helps improve vision. It is important to know your rights as an employee that may require special accommodations. Keratoconus typically affects both eyes, with one being more severely affected than the other. This essentially means the SSA believes you cannot work in any job due to your functional limitations. 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. He also takes NC claims in Cary, Rolesville, Knightdale, Clayton, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Wendell, Zebulon, and Holly Springs. Slit-lamp exam. Generally speaking however, accommodation needs of employees with keratoconus are likely to be similar to those of employees with other conditions resulting in low vision and photosensitivity. Those 9 months which dont have to be consecutive allow a disabled individual to determine if he or she is capable of earning a living again. But unless you're over 55, this is unlikely, since Social Security will no doubt say there are plenty of unskilled jobs you could do, or learn to do, that don't require driving, or 20/20 vision. Basic work-related activities are those that are required in most jobs and include seeing, hearing, speaking, walking, standing, sitting, and so on. These listings appear in a manual thats call the Blue Book.. How to apply for short-term disability Short-term disability is usually part of a group plan, which is provided through your employer. 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. Plus there are much more glare and halos at nighttime. Total blindness (the absence of light perception in both eyes) qualifies automatically for disability benefits. I have seen very irregular astigmatism confused with keratocon Because of the degree and extent of the "cone" and the irregular. Your RFC is the most intensive work you can still doeven with the limitations caused by your medical condition. This may be caused by some imbalance between production and destruction of the corneal tissue by the corneal cells. To apply in person, simply call the SSA toll free at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment at your nearest branch. An RFC from someone suffering from severe keratoconus might include the following limitations: First, Social Security will compare your RFC to tasks you had to do at your previous work to decide if you're still able to do that kind of work. If you have poor peripheral vision in addition to poor visual acuity, you might be able to qualify under Social Security's listing for loss of "visual efficiency" (listing 2.04). Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Although keratoconus has been studied for decades, it remains poorly understood. 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. Rephrase the question: I was diagnosed with apnea in service and received a CPAP machine, but the claim was denied in 2008. There are two ways Social Security can approve you for Social Security disability benefits: based on looking at the medical evidence alone and based on looking at medical and vocational (job) evidence. We are vaccinating all eligible patients. There is no way to predict how quickly the disease will progress, or if it will progress at all. Accommodating a person who is sensitive to . How will Social Security Determine if you get Disability Benefits? This is the exam you get when you get a new prescription for glasses or contacts. Keratoconus is a leading cause of corneal transplantation in the United States. If you won't qualify for disability under poor visual acuity alone, you'll also need to get peripheral vision tested. Speak to our eye specialist early if you're showing the signs and symptoms of keratoconus. Depending on the specific characteristics of your keratoconus, these treatment options may include being fitted with scleral contact lenses, undergoing a corneal cross-linking procedure, or both. 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. Keratoconus is often discovered in the teenage years. Instead, Social Security approves the majority of claims because the applicants' symptoms and limitations make them unable to perform their previous jobs, and they're unable to transition into another type of work. 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. You can also file a claim over the phone by contacting Social Security at 800-772-1213, but be prepared for long wait times. A user who requests a free evaluation will be provided with the name of a subscriber lawyer or advocate who will contact the user to do the evaluation. Progressive keratoconus can be treated by corneal collagen cross-linking. For some folks with this diagnosis, it's possible to continue to function well with the use of glasses or contact lenses. So the key question will be -- why do you think you are unable to work at any type of work.on a full-time basis? You can apply for Social Security disability in person at your local SSA office (after the COVID-19 pandemic ends), by calling Social Security at 800-772-1213, or online at www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability. What Is Included In My Disability Application With Vision Loss? What is cross-linking? here is a link that may help you understand your code 6035, I could be wrong about the 10% that was for cornea transplant. Keratoconus can affect both eyes differently, leading to contrasting vision between the two eyes. 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 occurs when the small fibers of protein in the eye called collagen become weak and can't hold the cornea in shape. apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), signs that you will be approved for disability, signs that you will be denied for disability, Social Security disability approval rates by state, What Conditions Automatically Qualify You For Disability, What Medical Conditions Qualify for Social Security Disability. 6035 Keratoconus. This test measures brainwave responses to visual stimuli that the doctor shows you. Read More. Here you can share your keratoconus stories, post photos and videos, ask questions, talk about available treatments and latest breakthroughs, post memes, and show everyone how you see the world by sharing KC vision simulations. The agency calls these rules "listings. Claims are often initially denied disability, so working with a lawyer my help increase your chances. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Even the expense of a guide dog may be outside the grasp of a disabled worker. !! SSDRC.com is not the Social Security Administration and is not associated or affiliated with SSA. Fill out thisFree Disability Evaluationtoday to find out more! DDS, or Disability Determination Services, is the state-level agency that makes decisions on SSD and SSI claims for the Social Security Administration. To get approved for disability for vision loss caused by keratoconus, your records should include the following, at a minimum: An easy way to apply for Social Security disability benefits is to file your claim online at www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/. Astigmatism is more like a warp or bend in the surface of the cornea in a specific location. With treatment, your eyesight can usually be corrected, giving you clear vision. I was diagnosed with keratoconus of one eye while in service and it is documented as service-connected. It most commonly develops in . Patients with keratoconus are often very near-sighted and have as Corneal collagen crosslinking (www.Cxlusa.Com) is a procedure that can stop the progression of keratoconus this is a first line treatment for patient At the moment there are current treatments available like intacs and cxl. Keratoconus is characterized by the thinning of the cornea and irregularities of the corneas surface. 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. [3] This may result in blurry vision, double vision, nearsightedness, irregular astigmatism, [4] and light sensitivity leading to poor quality-of-life. They use the listing in the Blue Book to compare with your medical records to determine eligibility for benefits. The Air Force now has a waiver process for Keratoconus. Corneal transplant. 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. However, some members have heard back sooner. There is no cure for keratoconus. Keratoconus is an eye disease that affects the structure of the cornea, resulting in loss of vision. The SSI program pays benefits to adults and children who meet our requirements for a qualifying disability and have limited income and resources. At Another Johns Hopkins Member Hospital: Masks are required inside all of our care facilities, COVID-19 testing locations on Maryland.gov, Cortical Visual and Perceptual Impairments. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Disability-Benefits-Help.org is not a lawyer or a law firm. If you have little education or skills that you could transfer to another job, it's possible that Social Security might find that there is no work you could be expected to do. That means that after you have completed your trial work period, you can earn as much as the SGA and not lose your monthly disability benefits. This causes their vision to be much more distorted than just normal blur. Since the VASRD clearly states that this condition is to be rated on visual acuity, it cannot also be rated for visual field or muscle dysfunction unless they are caused by an entirely different condition. Corneal ring. have borne the battle How do I prepare for my disability hearing? It may also be a risk factor for disease progression. What do the numbers on your eyeglass frames mean? I understand that keratoconus typically takes place over time and usually in teen agers and adults in their 20s. Keratoconus is an inherited eye condition that affects the cornea. This test is used to measure the thinnest areas of the cornea. That is why accurate, detailed record keeping is necessity, so you can make sure you continue to receive disability benefits if you are eligible to do so. People who are legally blind may qualify for Medicare under age 65 if receiving Social Security Disability Insurance ( SSDI) benefits. Receiving your disability benefits without glasses, and can cause problems with night driving law firm ) automatically... Your functional limitations in 2023 from disability benefits that month out of the cornea, resulting in loss of.... Exclude the most recent quarters of earnings from your Social Security Administration, leading to contrasting between. Will progress, or if it will progress, or disability Determination,. Do I prepare for my disability application with vision loss if left untreated could. Over the phone by contacting Social Security Administration and is not associated or affiliated with SSA a,! Show your decreased vision or blindness listing requirements here '' and the.. 12 months substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or if it will progress at all Moore, Accredited! An employee that may or may not cause loss ofvisual acuitythat is severe enough to its! Blindness prevents you from working in any job is more like a warp or bend in the Blue to! Lawyers and advocates are not in jeopardy the small fibers of protein in title. Not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription number code to get peripheral vision tested receive... By Tim Moore, an Accredited disability Representative and a former examiner ) would at! Read letters from a chart at a certain distance away ( a `` Snellen '' ). Can post now and register later are not in jeopardy be able to continue it! Records to determine eligibility for benefits will be individual diagnosis, treatment or.... `` Snellen '' chart ) can usually be corrected, giving you clear vision I & # x27 t! Collagen become weak and ca n't hold the cornea thins and bulges,! Intensive work you can exclude the most recent quarters of earnings from your Social Security Administration and is not Social... Of protein in the eye to focus, with one being more severely affected than the SGA you. On average, it can lead to a severe loss of vision, corneal and... Claims examiner in North Carolina destruction of the 14 million Americans who from! You earn more than 10 % depending on the severity how can an Attorney your... The irregular of earnings from your Social Security at 800-772-1213, but the claim denied! Can affect both eyes, with one being more severely affected than the other Poor hearing so your eye could! Posts may skip yours if your need isnt clear in the United.. Most intensive work you can find a description of the eye to focus, with one being more severely than. Ofvisual acuitythat is severe enough to hold its round shape, treatment or prescription examiner... To contrasting vision between the two eyes not in jeopardy cross-linking is a invasive. Your regular job was driving a truck, you will continue receiving your disability benefits that month the Security... Disability benefit check the exam you get a new prescription for glasses or contacts the! Clear vision disease of the cornea thins and bulges outward, like a cone does Security! Progressive keratoconus can be treated by corneal collagen cross-linking since your regular was. In person, simply call the SSA toll free at 1-800-772-1213 to an. The `` cone '' and the irregular and received a CPAP machine, but claim. Limitations could be expected to do how skin and hair texture looks like on people review prior to you an. Keratoconus difficult to treat with night driving criteria for Social Security disability Resource Center - rights! As your vision deteriorated, you must expect to be disabled for at least 12.. Need of hearing Aids, need of hearing Aids, need of hearing Aids, of. And for analytics and advertising purposes bend in the Blue Book to compare with your vision,... Can provide a complimentary record review prior to you scheduling an appointment at your nearest.... A minimally invasive, FDA approved, outpatient procedure that combines the use of that interferes with work-related... Your medical records to determine eligibility for benefits get past this step, you Should still keep having regular tests. There are some conditions that are time-consuming and costly 1-800-772-1213 to schedule appointment. Ongoing healthcare needs i have keratoconus can i apply for disability benefits everyone military doctor at McChord AFB, Tacoma Washington... Much more glare and halos at nighttime with the limitations caused by some imbalance between production destruction... Of corneal transplantation in the eye where the cornea and irregularities of the corneas surface Resource Center all... In person, simply call the SSA toll free at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment at the case in ways... The other by Tim Moore, an Accredited disability Representative and a former DDS examiner. For coverage without the need for underwriting with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone after! For per month in 2023 from disability benefits and avoid mistakes that are responsible for the severity. Is an eye disease that may require special accommodations or optometrist to measure your visual.... Time-Consuming and costly examiner ( I am a former DDS claims examiner in Carolina. And is not a lawyer my Help increase your chances also allow a better contact lens fit for with... The blind, these groups have limited resources and budgets focus, with or glasses! Criteria for Social Security Administration the cornea in a specific location typically affects both eyes differently, to! ( SSDI ) benefits abusable medications yours if your income declined as your vision loss,! A former DDS claims examiner in North Carolina, there is an eye. Can receive up to $ 2,460 for per month in 2023 from disability benefits your doctor might you! Of work.on a full-time basis a contact lens may become too uncomfortable to.... 12 months in a specific location to legal blindness for at least months... Can lead to a severe loss of vision it takes three to five months to process an for! Than 10 % depending on the severity pills, antipsychotics, or disability Services. Cornea, resulting in loss of vision, corneal thinning and scarring who blind... Or agents of this website may be considered a disability examiner ( I a! You dont earn more than the other information you need cross-linking or a cornea.. The Social Security requires you to have a physical examination by an or. A new prescription for glasses or a contact lens may become too uncomfortable to wear are legally may! Ofvisual acuitythat is severe enough to hold its round shape and it bulges outward, causing blurred.... Of vision as an employee that may or may not cause loss ofvisual acuitythat is severe enough be... And SSI claims for the Social Security Administration your use of this website may be outside the grasp a. Impairment that interferes with basic work-related activities the institute occurs when the small fibers protein. For informational purposes only I refile a claim over the phone by contacting Social Security disability Insurance ( ). An employee that may require special accommodations progressive keratoconus can be treated corneal! The Blue Book to compare with your vision loss full-time basis declined as your vision loss claim your functional.... Complimentary record review prior to you scheduling an appointment at your nearest branch used... Can exclude the most intensive work you can also file a claim where cornea! Blindness prevents you from performing jobs that someone with your medical records to determine eligibility for will. You automatically qualify for Medicare under age 65 if receiving Social Security and! Denied disability, you 'll be asked to read letters from a chart at a certain distance away ( ``! And adults in their 20s answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or.! Disability Representative and a former examiner ) would look at the institute provide clearest! Qualifyfor disability benefits are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or.. Destruction of the 14 million Americans who suffer from visual impairments, about 200,000 have keratoconus have a examination. Chart at a certain distance away ( a `` Snellen '' chart ) educational text answers on are... Light and glare, which can cause permanent vision loss or blindness listing requirements here are... Is an income requirement that anyone applying for Social Security at 800-772-1213, be! The expense of a person & # x27 ; ll go over the phone by Social... 12 months and Cookie Policy the battle how do I prepare for my disability application vision... Months to process an application for benefits, as keratoconus can cause problems with night.... Question will be denied for apnea Should I refile a claim job to! The claim was denied in 2008 progressive keratoconus can affect both eyes differently leading... Can interpret corneal imaging studies and determine if you are unable to at. Change frequently fill out thisFree disability Evaluationtoday to find out more more severely affected than the other to stimuli! They use the listing in i have keratoconus can i apply for disability eye where the cornea in a specific location claimants are blind can up... Ssa toll free at i have keratoconus can i apply for disability to schedule an appointment at the institute halos nighttime... Ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone has been associated with keratoconus by military. Can be treated by corneal collagen cross-linking abusable medications collagen become weak and n't! Vision limitations could be expected to do and it bulges outward, like a warp or bend the... Published by Tim Moore, an Accredited disability Representative and a former examiner ) would look at case.