| Author |
Message |
    
James L McLeod
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Wednesday, March 21, 2001 - 11:35 pm: | 
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Am I entitled to or do I even qualify for any type of disability due to a visual ipairment of my right eye. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Saturday, March 24, 2001 - 10:03 am: |
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That is a question that it would be impossible to answer as stated. To
be sure whether you might get disability for any condition, the only
way to be sure is to talk to a local lawyer. There are many sorts of
disability besides Social Security disability, which is the principal
topic of this site. |
Anonymous
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Monday, April 02, 2001 - 3:38 pm: |
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HELLO WELL I WAS HIT IN THE EYE CAUSE DAMAGE TO MY RIGHT EYE I WORN
GLASSES UNTIL I WAS IN MY TEEN BUT NOT SINCE THEN DUE TO THE FACT THAT
MY SIGHT MY EYE SIGHT GETTING BAD OVER TIME I WAS HAVE HEADACHE MY
VISUAL WAS GOT SO BAD I DECDIE TO GO TO A EYE DOCTOR AFTER NOT GOING TO
THE DOCTOR IN TEN YEAR OR MORE THE DOCTOR TOLD ME THERE NOTHING HE
COULD DO THAT EYE GLASSES WOULD NOT DO ME ANY GOOD CAN I APPLY FOR SSI |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Monday, April 09, 2001 - 4:48 am: |
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If a doctor indicates you are legally blind, you should eventually get
disability. There are special rules that make it a little easier for
people who are blind to get disability, or to keep it when they try to
work.
If you have significant vision problems in both eyes, that make it more difficult to work, that is a more complex question.
If
you have an impairment in one eye only, you are probably going to have
to find something else, such as severe headaches that interfere with
concentration, to establish disability.
A local social
security lawyer can better answer the question as to whether your
situation justifies an SSI or social security disability claim. |
D.Fowler
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Thursday, June 28, 2001 - 1:44 pm: |
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what is the social security "grid" and what are the requirements to be label as disabled from blindness?
Reply by Paul:
See the preceeding answer for the best I can give as to proving disability by blindness.
The
"grid" hardly applies to blindness. It is a set of rules that directs a
finding of disabled or not disabled based on age, education, work
experience, and degree of exertional limitations. The cases involving
people with nonexertional limitations will not be controlled by the
grids. Vision impairments are nonexertional. |
KIM MELTON
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Thursday, October 11, 2001 - 7:56 pm: |
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CAN
I RECEIVE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY WITH HAVING IRITIS? SECOND FILING
AND ON A RECONSIDERATION NOW. I AM 40 I HAVE HAD THIS SINCE 1995. CAN
YOU HELP?
Reply by Paul Yes, if it is serious enough,
and if you have worked enough. To win an SSI case you need not show you
have worked, but need to show that your family has no income. But to
win it needs to affect your ability to function in a work setting. In
order to judge, you need to provide me with the limitations it causes
in your case. Also your city and state.
(Message edited by admin on July 26, 2005) |
heather@inorbit.com
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Wednesday, October 31, 2001 - 4:53 pm: |
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I
am 28 years old, I have worked for 13 years, last five years as an
accounting clerk. I have severe eye loss due to retinitis pigmentosa.
It makes me lose my peripheal vision over the years till total
blindness. I am also advised to stay out of the sunlight and glare of
computers as much as possible as this will hasten the loss. I am also
advised not to drive at all in the "dark" (evenings) and minimal during
the day. There is no cure or treatments available. The SSA doctor
remarked to me that I should not drive (I don't) and the numbers were
VERY close to the numbers indicated in the book of qualifying
conditions in the better eye and a bit worse in the other eye. I also
have 80 - 90 percent of hearing loss ( I lost my hearing at 18 months,
again no cure or treatments), I can hear 68% with my current hearing
aid in quiet surroundings. The SSA doctor who tested for me that
suggested to me that with "his" hearing aids brands I have the ability
to hear up to 96%. First off I didn't know that the SSA doctors can
suggest treatments. Secondly, for almost thirty years, I have been
always told that the most I can hear from different doctors was 70% in
optimum conditions (quiet). I was then denied disability stating that
while I may not be working what I used to do and earn that kind of
money, BUT I can get some different type of work earning a bit less but
still enough to support myself. I would love to know what I can do
without computers, have special phones and has to be before dark and
where I suppose a bus will take me and all this for at least $10 an
hour, 40 hours a week athough I was earning $17.98 an hour before.
I
quit in April of 2000 because I was pregnant and my vision got
significently worse, I was tripping over everything and was scared I
would fall and harm the baby. I was also getting severe strains from
the computer glare and was advised to avoid computers at that time to
"save" my vision. I have not worked since.
Is the above
enough to qualify? I have 55 days left to appeal. Can you suggest an
attorney in the Miami area? Thank You so much for your help.
Reply by Paul
You
have a very serious problem, and should definitely pursue a disability
claim in addition to other avenues that might, if you are lucky, lead
to employment. It seems to me that you are virtually legally blind, and
have other problems, too.
If you get on disability, there are
might be special programs that make it easier for you to experiment
with working while you are drawing disability.
I would
certainly get an attorney at this point; you have tried once on your
own and been unsuccessful. If you have trouble getting an attorney
right away, be sure to appeal on your own by going down to the Social
Security office. GET A RECEIPT! That will give you a little extra time.
I will suggest an attorney by email. |
anonnymous
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 1:52 pm: |
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I was born with congenital Nystagmus and am currently recieving SSI. Am
I entitled to any further benefits? Where can I find out more about
what I qualify for? |
mary alston
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Wednesday, January 22, 2003 - 12:21 am: |
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I have been diagnosed with glaucoma i have lost all vision in righteye
and have vision problems in the left eye also for 15 years i have been
a sewing machine operator which i had to eventually stop because it
became impossible to see how to do an efficient job with my vision loss
i then took a cleaning job which i was unable to keep the sun was
causing me to have severe headaches i was always bumping into things
and sometimes hurting my self which was not only painful but very
embarrising I started to become very nervous and started to feel as if
there was always someone behind me my eyes are very sensitive to light
and i now have a glare with my vision should i apply for disability
benefits. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 5:56 am: |
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Mary: Yes, you might apply, among other things. If, after you have done
everything you can afford to improve your vision, you cannot see well
enough to do ordinary tasks, and if a doctor will back you up in that,
you have a good chance at a disability claim. |
Ted Fogg
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 12:49 pm: |
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Dur to damage to my optic nerves from a brain tumor and diabetes, I
have had poor vision and particulalrly little to no peripheral vision.
Recently, my opthomologist said I could no longer drive because my
vision was not good enough even with correction. Does this constitute a
disability that is recognized by state or federal government? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 4:57 pm: |
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Ted, possibly, depending of course on how severe the impairment is. You
should get a careful measurement of your visual fields, which is the
range of peripheral vision for each eye; and of your central visual
acuity, and your visual efficiency, which is the measure of both
factors taken together. With these measurements a good lawyer will
probably be able to tell if you meet a listing. If you do not exactly
meet a listing, you can still be found disabled if you cannot see to do
any useful work. |
misty traweek
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2003 - 8:02 am: |
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dear paul,
i am 25 years old and my vision is 20/400 without my glasses. my eye
doctor says that even with glasses, imy vision can't be corrected to
20/20. my vision gets a little worse each year. i also have severe
headaches much more often.would you think i qualify for assistance? i
have a 2 1/2 year old daughter. my husband works, but we are very low
income.
thank you,
misty |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Sunday, November 02, 2003 - 5:10 pm: |
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The quality of your uncorrected vision, or uncorrected anything, is
almost irrelevant in most disability claims. (The common exception is
when you can prove that you cannot get the treatment.)
The
crucial question in cases involving vision is how well you can see with
best correction. You don't tell me what your corrected vision is, so I
can't say.
The Snellen number, 20/20 or 20/400, tells how
well you can see at a distance in the center of your field of vision.
You also can be disabled because of narrowing of field of vision and
difficulty with close vision, which is more relevant for work
puroposes.
All eye doctors know what "legally blind" means,
and if your doctor will say you are that, you can probably get benefits
without an attorney.
Headaches can be disabling, but that
sort of case is difficult to prove. If that is your main basis for your
claim, get a lawyer before you file, even, and develop your case
carefully.
Take care and good luck. |
mbjbajjc
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Sunday, December 28, 2003 - 3:16 pm: |
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I lost my left peripheral vision due to surgery 12 years ago. I have
struggled daily with this condition. I changed my career direction
after I lost my vision. I am a certified teacher now. I struggle with
the paper work-grading. I bump into students all the time. I bang into
furniture in the classroom and many times hurt myself and others. I
have driven for this many years, but have always hidden this
disability. I was told by an optometrist 11 years ago that I shouldn't
drive or couldn't legally drive. This wasn't feasible as I am usually
the primary driver for my children, now teenagers. I have been in four
accidents that weren't my fault---others pulled out in front of me.
Ironically the accidents occurred on my left side. I had right of way
in each incident. This year I have many more kids in my classroom to
keep an eye on and I am struggling. It is becoming a liability issue as
I deal with MANY behavior problems. I am looking at the possibility of
trying to get social security disability. I was never told this when I
lost the vision. Complicated situation. I have learned to accomodate
for my condition, but it is increasingly getting more difficult. The
demands of the job are overwhelming due to the paper work involved. Can
you give any advice on whether I could qualify for disability or would
it put me in the poor house if I do? I am struggling to either stay in
hiding with my disability or come out and have relief. Any help would
be appreciated. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 2:20 pm: |
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mbjbajjc: All opthalmologists know how to tell if someone is "legally
blind." If you are so classified, you should be able to get Social
Security disability with less trouble than most people have. If you are
not "legally blind" you still might have a chance; get a detailed
report from your doctor and sit down with it in a good SS lawyer's
office.
Of course, as you probably know, legally blind people are not allowed to drive.
While
you still have a job, you must be positive that you have all possible
long and short term disability benefits that might be available to you.
I would talk to a good Social Security lawyer before I went
out of work, in order to try to minimize any possible time without
income.
You might look into a less demanding job that would enable you to earn your full state retirement.
Take care and good luck. |
murlesl
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 10:58 am: |
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I am totally blind and receive ssi can I get approved to receive a disability check or is this a disability check |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 2:08 pm: |
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Well, it is, but there is another kind of disability check, too. It is
called a Social Security Disability check. To get it ,you have to have
worked a certain amount. That amount is less if you are legally blind. |
Mickey
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Thursday, July 22, 2004 - 6:12 am: |
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My
best eye corrected vision is 20/200 which makes me legally blind. I
have talked with social security service reps, others, a disability
lawyer and reviewed this site. Am I correct in assumming that I should
qualify for and receive disability payments when I apply? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 800
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2004 - 6:29 am: |
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Mickey,
if you are legally blind, a disability award should be almost automatic
if you are not working; you should not even need an attorney. |
Marie
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Monday, July 26, 2004 - 10:04 pm: |
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I
have chronic granulomatous iridocyclitis caused by sarcoidosis. I have
had a calcified lens removed from my right eye which was replaced with
an intraocular lens. I have no peripheal vision in right eye, and this
disease has now caused glaucoma. I also have this desease in my left
eye. I can't get Rx glasses because my visual acuity will not remain
stable due to the inflammation this disease causes. Both of my eyes are
damaged because of this, making my overall vision poor. I can no longer
do the work I've done for the past 30 years (data entry). I am 50 yrs,
old. Do you think I should apply for disability? Thank you kindly. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 799
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2004 - 6:28 am: |
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Marie,
almost certainly, unless you are now working, which I understand that
you are not. There are several diseases that cause chronic inflammation
of the eye which causes the cornea - the window at the front of the eye
- to keep changing shape, or causes the eye to keep changing shape. As
you mention, even if you would be able to see well enough to work with
a certain set of glasses on one day, if the inflammation keeps changing
the shape of the cornea or eye so that you will not be able to see well
enough to work on a predictable basis, you cannot work. And, pain from
glaucoma or inflammation can be a factor. Be sure you have a supportive
doctor. |
deana verner
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 12:43 am: |
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My
name is Mark Railey,I am 49 years old and I have one eye.I lost my eye
when I was 18 years old.I have been diagnosed with glaucoma in my
excisting eye.I get frequint head aches,problems seeing,irratation in
the eye socket where the eye is missing.I have had 6 eye surgurysI
obviously have to wear eye glasses to see,with out them my sight is
horriable.Even with the glasses I still experience pain and
irritation.I was wondering if I should file for disability?I have been
in the work force over 30 years. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 798
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2004 - 6:18 am: |
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That is hard to say. I can say some things:
-There are jobs for folks with one eye, if that is their only problem.
-If glasses can correct a vision problem, it is not disabling.
-If
both the width of the area you can see in (your "visual field")is
normal, and you can see well to read with glasses (your "central visual
acuity" is normal), and you have no other problems, that would not be
disabling. As your central visual acuity and visual field deteriorate,
whether or not you are disabled becomes a very complicated question
that would take careful study to answer.
-Glaucoma can sometimes
cause fairly significant pain. If that pain makes it impossible for you
to attend to work, that can be disabling.
-If you miss a lot of
work because of things like operations, on an unscheduled basis, and
will continue to do so, that can be disabling.
That's the
long answer. The short answer is get your medical records and sit down
with a good disability lawyer, preferably before you stop working, and
take your next steps very carefully. |
Dan Williams
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Sunday, September 12, 2004 - 12:34 pm: |
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I
have sarcoidosis that affects the eyes. My vision is 20/40 in one eye
and 20/100 in the other. I deal with iritis all the time and even with
the best glasses I cannot read detail on the Tv. I drive a forklift at
my work and fortunately do not have to deal with detail. However if I
were to need to take a visual test to renew my driver licenseI know I
would not pass. Would that not qualify me for disability? I have been
on my job for over 30 years and I am 54 years old. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 825
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Wednesday, September 15, 2004 - 5:05 am: |
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First,
if you are legally blind, you can get disability fairly easily. You are
not yet, and I hope you never get there, but all eye doctors know what
"legally blind" means, and if you are ever told that, you know you
should win your case. 20/40 is not legally blind.
If you are
not legally blind, the test for disability based on vision alone is
complex; it is based on both your "visual field," meaning how far to
the side, up and down you can see when you fix your eyes on a spot in
front of you, and your "central visual acuity," meaning how well you
can see at a spot in front of you with the glasses that help you most.
If
you are not legally blind, and your vision is stable, disability based
on eyesight is based on the product of your visual field and your
central visual acuity, so that the better your central vision, the
worse your visual field must be in order to establish disability.
I know that's confusing; the bottom line is that it is too complicated for me to answer.
On
top of that, if you have a disease like sarcioidosis that causes ever
varying impairment, it becomes more difficult to correct vision with
glasses; the prescription that worked yesterday might not work
tomorrow.
Maybe it would be wise to get your medical records and sit down with an attorney that handles a lot of these cases.
Take care and good luck. |
joseph mantia
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Tuesday, December 21, 2004 - 1:36 pm: |
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I
am a 53 year old male and i've been on SSD for about two years and 8
months. My review is coming up in april of 2005. I;m quite concerned
about keeping my benifits very worried with anxiety.When i first was
rewarded my benifits about three years ago, my condition was blind, in
left eye from scars and glacoma and a vision of about 20/150 in the
right eye,and depressiion. I had a coneal transplant in the right eye
about a year and a half ago, and it took that long to get to about
20/35 with glasses. During that time my vision was very unstable and at
the prescent time it's still unstable and this is the secomd coneal
transplant in seven years AND FOUR GLACOMA SURGERYS i still have
glacoma in the right eye as well as a cataract. I take three different
medications for my glacoma and still take a rejection medication AND
I"M STILL UNDER DOCTORS CARE. Now i also have back problems large
diffuse disk bulge L 5 nerve root impingerment bilateral and a form of
inflammtion and arthirtis ( etc ) from a moderate to severe condition,
stated on the MRI report I take two forms of medication for my back and
expected to get epidoral shoots soon and possibly surgery. I have
trouble siting for 20 minutes standing, and walking. with pain,an
numbness in the right foot.(this is due to bad posture from playing
drums all my life) and i still suffer from depression. I've been a
muscian(drummer) all my life with no other background need to read
music exstensively in my job but i feel with my present conditions,I;M
STILL DISABLED in my field because of the strain with one eye and
unstablity in the eye and age and severe pain and numbness in my leg
and foot and somtimes my finger tips. Since i;ve been out of work in
this field i;m also a displaced worker from being disabled for three
years
my question to you sir. even though there is improvement in
my right eye but an unstabled condition,(and only have one eye), and
now back problems and still have depression and high blood pressure.
What are my chances of keeping my benifits at this stage of the game?
Concerned and worried please contact me soon. Jodi and Joe |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 958
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Friday, December 31, 2004 - 9:04 am: |
|
There
are several ways that a vision problem can be disabling. One is legal
blindness, where your vision is always bad. But an unstable vision is
about as useless; no one will hire someone if they are not going to be
able to work on an unpredictable basis; the numbers vary, but certainly
if you are going to be out of commission more than 3 days a month or
more than 36 days a year on an unpredictable basis, most vocational
experts will say that you are disabled.
You have a good shot at continuing benefits, but you need to be ready to appeal quickly if they try to cut you off.
The fact that your primary problem has improved makes it more likely for them to cut you off.
But
your condition has also worsend; you need to be sure that appears in
the record. Be sure they get good records of each of your new problems.
If you get a termination notice, be sure to appeal, in person,
within 10 days, and get a receipt proving you did so. If so, you can
get benefits continued while you appeal. This will protect you from
immediate catastrophe.
If they try to terminate you, you should immediately get legal aid involved, or else hire an attorney. |
Brian (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Monday, February 14, 2005 - 4:25 pm: |
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I have applied for disability and been denied...I am blind in one eye and have high blood pressure.
In
the statement they sent me .it has alot of limitations on it......I
can't lift anything over 50 pds....25 pds occasionally...I can't be up
on ladders...I can walk or stand for 6 hours in an 8 hour work day..I
can't handle small objects...and so forth.
Do I need to hire a lawyer and reapply?? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 1037
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2005 - 6:11 am: |
|
Well,
it would be a good idea to sit down and talk to someone who is good at
disability to see if there is something that disables you.
If
your only problem were that you were blind in one eye, you could
probably work, provided the other eye worked. Blood pressure problems
are usually, but not always, controllable by medicine, or cause no
cripling symptoms: It is one of those odd problems that can kill you,
but since it causes few symptoms until it does, you are not disabled.
However,
there are some blood pressure problems that are disabling. For example,
minimal exertion can cause some people's blood pressure to jump to very
high levels, despite medication.
I also often find that if I
ask people, "why are you disabled," they will name one or two problems
that are not disabling, but if I ask them a bunch of questions, they
will tell me about other problems that they did not realize were
important. For example, the Administration's notice to you suggests
that you might have some hand problems you have not mentioned.
For
these last two reasons, you need to talk to someone who knows a lot
about disability, to see if they can pull reasons for disability out of
you, and you should probably keep appealing, to keep the case alive,
until you do that. |
Anonymous
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 11:57 am: |
|
i
am married with a 1yr old daughter. My husband is about to get out of
the navy in one month. I have congenital astygmatism, i used to recieve
ssi when i was in middle school(i am now 25) I just went and applied
for my drivers permit.I could not pass the vision test and was sent to
my eye doctor to fill out the vision report. My doctor said that i
would only be able to drive 1/2 hr after sunrise and 1/2hr before
sunset.He said that i just made it to be able to drive during the
daylight. Can i get ssi benfits ! ( i was considered legally blind
while recieving ssi.) |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 1216
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Monday, May 30, 2005 - 7:29 am: |
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Anonymous:
I don't know. I don't understand your limitations well enough to say
for sure. I guess get your medical reports and take them to a lawyer
and after he or she asks a lot of questions, he or she might be able to
say.
Take care. |
john nixdorf (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 - 9:57 am: |
|
My
daughter is blind in her right eye, corrected to 20/30 in her left eye,
but with a 40 degree field of view measured by the Goldmann field of
view test. However, she has rotary nystagmus which prevents her from
focussing on the target. She also has glaucoma (pressure in the left
eye 26 at her exam last week).
Her doctor's judgment is that
the Goldmann test overstates her field of vision but cannot give a
quantitative estimate of by how much. The eye doctor's opinions (she's
had many over the years) is that it is a miracle she functions as well
as she does, and she has developed significant compensatory skills for
her visual disability.
She is currently receiving SSI on the basis of "borderline intellectual function" (the primary code), and also glaucoma.
Any thoughts you may have on getting her reclassified as blind as the primary disability for SSI would be appreciated. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 1302
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Tuesday, July 05, 2005 - 10:19 am: |
|
John:
If
she has worked any, it would be an excellent idea to file a Social
Security disability claim based on blindness. It takes less earnings to
qualify under blindness than it does under any other condition. You
should get your doctor to say she is effectively blind, and you should
hire a lawyer to show him a copy of the listings and get detailed
opinion showing why she meets the listings. She might get more money,
and she would get Medicare.
If she has never worked, I am not
sure why you would want to get the reclassification, or what benefit it
would be; but there could be some advantage I don't know about.
Take care and good luck. |
Anonymous
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Monday, March 28, 2005 - 12:46 pm: |
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NC,age
51, BA math, computer prog/analyst-no work since downsized 2/04.
Progressive problems conducting work due to ocular motor palsy left
eye; Vision ok but eyes don’t work together with the left eye being
exotropic causing double vision. I had 4 surgeries to correct this;
have limited movement of left eye due to muscle adhesions. 3
ophthalmologists say more surgery would be difficult, compromising with
little or no benefit & would risk eyesight to some extent. Says my
condition will continue to worsen. Viewing a computer screen, reading,
desk-type work for extended periods causes tremendous eye strain which
results in eye pain, discomfort, headaches. I had difficulty
concentrating, staying on & completing tasks. I don’t feel my eyes
can take the demands continuing to work in my profession.
Ophthalmologist supports my position. Also the situation creates
anxiety and depression & with my eyes getting worse these emotional
issues are at times incapacitating |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 1058
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Saturday, April 23, 2005 - 12:29 pm: |
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Anonymous
in NC: If you are "legally blind" you are disabled. All
ophthalmologists know what "legally blind" means. Ask yours.
If
not, the next question is whether you can do your old work. If you
cannot look at a screen 8 hours a day, with an occasional break, you
cannot do your old work.
The next question is whether you can
do any other work. If you can see well enough to dig ditches, even
though you cannot do your old work, you are going to have to find
something besides your eye function to disable you.
Does pain
in your eyes distract you from all work? Is the psychological condition
severe even if you don't try to do the high stress work, and dig
ditches instead?
Unless you are legally blind, you have a
complex case, and I suggest you sit down and have a long talk with a
lawyer BEFORE you quit work.
Be careful! This is a critical time in your life.
(Message edited by admin on May 29, 2005) |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 1332
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 10:30 am: |
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I made this comment to an earlier post:
If she has never worked, I am not sure why you would
want to get the reclassification [to blind], or what
benefit it would be; but there could be someadvantage
I don't know about.
This was the questionner's answer, which I thought was a good one.
The answer is twofold:
1. For the extra deduction I would get on my income
tax since I carry her as a dependent
2. Being classified as blind by the Social Security
Administration is the absolute "gold standard"
discussion stopper when you're dealing with government
bureaucrats. The Illinois Bureau of Blind Services
Bureau Chief remarked that my daughter could "function
as a sighted person" (right, aphakic in both eyes,
blind in the right, and a 33% visual efficiency in the
left).
My further response:
The
only way I can think of to get her reclassified is to get her to do
enough work to make her eligible for Social Security Disability - it
takes less work to qualify if she is blind - and then file for Social
Security Disability. There might be some other way I don't know about.
I realize this will be impractical for many. |
E Taylor (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Tuesday, August 16, 2005 - 12:22 pm: |
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I
live in South Carolina and have a 5 years old son. He was shot in the
eye by a bb gun at the beginning of the summer. He has 20/20 vision in
his good eye and 20/200 in his bad eye. His bad eye can not be
corrected with lenses because there is a crack in the back of the globe
that goes across the retina. We have also been told that laser surgery
would not correct his problem. His pupil is shaped like a football and
he can not be out in the sun for very long as the light irritates his
eye. Would he be eleigible for SSI and is there a family income cut off? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 1545
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Sunday, September 25, 2005 - 3:32 pm: |
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Ms. Taylor:
I
don't think so, unless his bad eye causes serious problems beyond the
simple loss of vision. If you close one eye, you can do almost
everything you could do with both eyes open. |
Anonymous
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Wednesday, August 17, 2005 - 9:38 am: |
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I
am 36 years old and have worked for the past 19 yrs. I am legally blind
in my left eye after receiving a hemorrage and detatched retina from an
accident as a teenager. I have also been given a 9% imparment rating
with permanent work restrictions (no repetitive bending or twisting and
no lifting over 25 lbs) after having surgery for a ruptured disc which
damaged the cyatic nerve. Can you tell me what my dissability rating
would be or if I would quallify for any type benefits or employment
assistance? Thank you for your assistance. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 1544
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Sunday, September 25, 2005 - 3:15 pm: |
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Anonymous:
Loss
of vision in one eye is rarely relevant to a disability case; almost
every job can be done with one eye closed. the relevant question is the
quality of vision in the remaining eye. If it is ok, the quality of
your vision is not relevant to your case.
If you can read and
write well, and your only limitation is that you cannot lift 25 pounds
or perform repetitive work, that leaves a lot of sit down clerical
work, like receptionist, etc.
If you cannot read well, the question becomes closer.
Often,
when disability is not obvious from the list of problems someone gives
me at first, I can ask a lot of questions and find a problem that they
did not think to mention that is critical. If you want to think further
about this, you should engage in such a conversation with a good Social
Security lawyer.
Take care and good luck. |
Anonymous
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Friday, August 26, 2005 - 9:09 pm: |
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My
mom is 53 and has glaucoma and histoplasmosis of the eyes, and while I
am fairly confident that she would meet the qualifications for "legally
blind", I am not 100% sure. She also has developed acute osteo- and
rheumatoid arthritis in her hands, knees, and ankles. She also just
suffered a minor stroke, which has left her weak on her right side. She
has been a Wal-Mart employee (dept. manager, on her feet 8 hours a day)
for about 20 years, and does not have a college degree. She also lives
alone and drives 20 miles to work every day.
I know this may be a
stupid question, but does it sound like she qualifies for Social
Security/Disability? Where do I start? Also, if she does qualify, what
do we do for health coverage? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 1542
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Sunday, September 25, 2005 - 2:28 pm: |
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Anonymous:
If she is legally blind, she is supposed to win, but if she is legally blind, she is not supposed to be driving.
It sounds like she has a combination of limitations that well might qualify her for disability, even if not legally blind.
Two choices as to the next step: If you feel you and she can win this on your own, call 1 800 772 1213 or visit www.ssa.gov and file a claim. Hire an attorney if you are denied at the initial level.
If
you want the help of an experienced person from the start, you can file
and at the same time gather your medical records and sit down with an
experienced lawyer, to ensure that the case develops the way you want
it to. That will probably cost 25% of your back benefits. |
sammy (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Sunday, September 04, 2005 - 5:08 pm: |
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hi
my name is sam and i have histoplasmosis in my left eye now its
affectin my right and its hard for me to see clearly some time i went
to 2 eye doctors i was label 20/60 in my vision the left one and 20/40
in my right eye and i have pain will i be able to get ssd. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 1541
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Sunday, September 25, 2005 - 2:09 pm: |
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20/40
is not bad enough to limit you seriously, but that just a measure of
distance vision for the central part of the eye; there is field of
vision, that is, how well you see out of the sides of your eyes, and
near visual acuity; and there are some problems that make it hard for
you to see well at all times. And some eye conditions cause so much
pain that you cannot function; others cause only mild pain. So, in
short, I cannot tell whether your condition is serious enough to
disable you or not.
And then we have to worry about whether we can document your problem.
You
can try asking again; but what you really need to do is get all your
medicals and sit down with a lawyer who does a lot of this. |
Anonymous
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 7:08 pm: |
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I
have chronic Sarcoidosis ongoing since 1986 effecting my lungs, glands
and joints also iritis in both my eyes . I am constantly using steroid
drops (maxidex).My hearing has deteriorated too. In addition to this I
have rheumatoid arthritis in neck, back, fingers and right knee. After
working for 25 years I have now been made redundant. I'm just out of
hospital after having scans and bronchoscopy. I am totally debilitated
and have no energy left at all.Am I entitled to go on longterm
disability as this needs to be checked on a regular basis ( ring
shadows on both lungs ). |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 1538
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Sunday, September 25, 2005 - 7:39 am: |
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Anonymous:
If
you cannot work, you certainly must file for both long term and Social
Security. It sounds like you are in rough shape. Be sure to hire an
attorney if you are turned down the first time for long term! Take care. |
Chris Fleck (Chrfleck)
New member
Username: Chrfleck
Post Number: 1
Registered: 7-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 4:31 pm: |
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I
am 35 with diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes, and Neuropothy and Retinopothy. I
went for my disability exam on July 11th here in Omaha, the doctor was
not supposed to treat me for Diabetes, he gave me insulin samples. He
filled out a form I needed for Health and Human Services saying I was
unable to work because I was legally blind and had neuropothy in my
feet. If he tells Social Security the same thing, will they award me
disability for sure the first time? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 1335
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Tuesday, August 02, 2005 - 7:07 am: |
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Chris,
there is an excellent chance that you will be successful. Surely that
doctor has told them enough to prove you disabled. "Legally blind" is
supposed to be automatic disability. And if you are turned down, be
sure to hire an attorney and appeal your claim.
Not
frequently, but on a fairly regular basis, I see cases where the doctor
selected by the Administration says that someone is disabled, but where
they are turned down anyway. In the long run such cases are usually
easy to win, but if that happens to you you still need to get a lawyer
to get things straightened out.
Take care. |
Jason Bodary (Childoftheether)
New member
Username: Childoftheether
Post Number: 1
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Wednesday, November 09, 2005 - 8:59 pm: |
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My
boyfriend is 23, and has worked in call centers on computers since he
was 16. The last month or so he has not been able to work because his
vision has become very blury and makes it next to impossible for him to
see anything on a computer screen. His eye doctor today said he's lost
about 10% of his vision to the blurriness so far, and as of yet they
don;t know whats caused it.. Is it possible to get disability in a case
like this? |
kathleen Kridler (Kkridler)
New member
Username: Kkridler
Post Number: 1
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Thursday, November 17, 2005 - 10:12 pm: |
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I
am 47, a graphic designer for the last 20 years. 2+ years of college. I
developed myopic macular degeneration about a year ago, and have
recently become legally blind )NO central fields of vision - peripheral
only). I turned in my drivers lisence, I use a cane some of the time. I
am 20/300 in my best eye, correted, 20/400 in the other one. (about
20/800 uncorrected). I have filed for state disability (VA) and I am
worried about qualifying for SSD. This is a permanent disability, and
will eventually get worse. I cannot read without extreme magnification.
I can't lift or do strenuous work because my retinas can detach. I can
eventually retrain to do something else, but I made a very good salary.
Will they turn me down because I can still do menial tasks? Or do I
have to be able to do something comparable? I am still working, barely,
(it's a joke, my employer is being very kind and keeping me until they
hire and train my replacement April 1) so I was not going to apply
until them. I also thought I would be able to work until then, but
mostly I outsource my work and make phone calls. Do I have a decent
case? Will I be allowed to go back to school to retrain without losing
benefits? Will my minor children get benefits if I do? Thanks. GREAT
forum! |
Matt (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Monday, March 06, 2006 - 2:32 pm: |
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I am 21 years old, i have worked since i got out of school for a construction company and machine operator. A year and a half ago i got into a car accident because my eyes blurred out for a few seconds. I have juvenile diabeties so i went and under gone tests on my eyes, and everything came back ok. Nothing has happened since that one time. My diabetes doctor said because my blood sugar is a little high that i should not be able to drive, so i got my licence taken away and have no idea when i will get it back. Beacuse of this, i am unable to work do to no transportation, is there any possible thing i can do about this? |
Dawn Bradford (Bradforddawn)
New member
Username: Bradforddawn
Post Number: 1
Registered: 3-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Monday, March 06, 2006 - 2:28 am: |
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I am 44 years old. Three years ago I was diagnosed with viral menengitis. The virus was not identified for one month even though I was not getting better. One month after the onset of my menengitis, I started having problems with one eye (floaters, flashes, pain and redness) I looked in the phone book and made an appt. with an eye doctor. After seen he sent me to Miami to Bascom Palmer Eye Institute for emergency treatment of ARN acute retinal necrosis. It was found in both eyes and was the virus from my menengitis had spread from the brain and the optic nerve to the retina and was eating it away. Antiviral meds were given, laser surgery performed and about 1 month later I was much better and back at work. Since then my vision has deteriorated slowly. I also have been on steriods because my adrenal glands shut down and never would work again. So I have been on replacement steriod treatment for 3 years. Now I have 20/400 in both eyes with corrective lenses, cataracts in both eyes (which can not be removed for fear the retina will detach and other problems may arise)and glaucoma in the left. I have had every test known to mankind done. I have lost the central vision due to my retinal deterioration. Continued...See second posting |
Dawn Bradford (Bradforddawn)
New member
Username: Bradforddawn
Post Number: 2
Registered: 3-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Monday, March 06, 2006 - 2:29 am: |
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Continued from above...
The virus is dormant now but could come back anytime in my lifetime. It could come back again and again. Basically, the virus was shingles. I also have periferal vision loss in both eyes. I have bone marrow edema and bone loss due to the steriods also. I have to be very careful not to get sick because of the adrenal insufficiency. I have had pneumonia twice in the last 5 months. So I need to stay away from the office germs. I stopped work in October of 05. I recently filed for disability on line and dropped off some medical records, birth certificate and copies of my doctor's disability forms claiming the above disabilities that were sent to my work. I have sent a request to all my medical providers to send records to the SSD office ASAP. Hoping this will expedite things along. I am a single parent with no income since October. Luckily, I had some savings that is now gone. I cannot drive at all. My vision is so poor that I can only see shadows of large objects. And my daily health is poor with fatigue, depression, extreem nausea. I have worked since I was 15 years of age most of the time as clerical / secretary work. I relayed the above on my application. Thanks for your help. Is there anything else I can do to expidite my case with SSD? What are my chances of getting approved the first time around? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 1057
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 12:11 pm: |
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Dawn, If your remaining vision in the better eye after best correction is 20/200 or less, you are legally blind. If you are legally blind you are supposed to be found disabled for Social Security Disability and SSI.
20/200 is a number. If it is a product of a valid test, there should be no argument about your disability. I would be surprised if your are denied at the initial level, and perhaps you do not need a lawyer at that level.
Q. What are my chances of getting approved the first time around?
A. Excellent. But if you are denied, the picture in your medical record must be different from the one you have drawn here, and you need a lawyer to fix it. Take care. |
Anonymous
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Monday, April 24, 2006 - 12:13 pm: |
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I am 36 years old, married and a mother of two children from a previous marriage. I have retinitus pigmentosa and it is quickly progressing. If I am declared legally blind, how does my husband and his income play into my ability to receive disability benefits? My husband works seasonally (10 months out of the year) and makes approximately $26000/yr. |
teresa (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)magix music maker 2005 regcode | | Posted on Monday, May 08, 2006 - 1:13 pm: |
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i have double vision caused by a buckle in my left eye from a retina detachment surgery. i got fired from my job as a high speed typist because i couldnt see as fast any more..i did typing for 30 years ..i am 49 years old and also have positional vertigo and a prolasped uterus.so that means no lifting, bending, pushing,dragging,pulling. and now that my double vision stops me from speed reading and seeing find details what are my chances of getting disability ? i can not read fast anymore. the place that fired me told me they are not a charity and no one else wants me in their dept. and they were hoping i would just quit. there was nothing for me there anymore..and this is a big company .. |
