Loss of visual field SSA listing 2.03
Normally a person can see an object out of the corner of their eye, unfortunately, when the field of vision is decreased the object may not appear until it is very close or right in front of the eye. To meet Social Security listing 2.03 testing must be done by a doctor documenting the amount of visual field loss. Listing 2.03 states:
“2.03 Contraction of the visual field in the better eye, with:
A. The widest diameter subtending an angle around the point of fixation no greater than 20 degrees;
OR”
B. An MD of 22 decibels or greater, determined by automated static threshold perimetry that measures the central 30 degrees of the visual field (see 2.00A6d).”
OR
C. A visual field efficiency of 20 percent or less, determined by kinetic perimetry (see 2.00A7c).”
During visual field testing, the patient places their head in a chinrest and looks straight ahead. When the patient sees an object appear a button is pressed. This test is done by looking into a machine, the machine will calculate the visual field loss after several objects are reported by the patient. Social Security uses the test results to decide if the patient meets the listing of no greater than 20 degrees from the point of fixation for the A criteria.
The B criteria looks at the mean deviation or MD this number reflects the overall deviation from the normal field of vision. The difference between the patient’s results of testing the expected normal results gives the doctor degree of vision loss.
The testing done for the C criteria is done by a computer. The computer keeps the size and location of a target constant and varies the brightness of the object until the patient can see the object. The computer will then determine the visual efficiency based on the patients responses. Different patterns of visual loss help the doctor determine the reason for the vision loss.
Social Security will first look at listing 2.03 to determine if a person meets the listing. If the person’s visual loss does not meet the listing Social Security will then look at the limitations caused by the visual loss. The person’s age, education and past work are also important in the evaluation of a Social Security disability claim. If you have any questions concerning a Social Security disability claim please give us a call at 515-271-8186.
