Vision Loss and Long Term Disability Benefits | What To Know

If you or a loved one are losing your sight, please read on, then contact one of our experienced nation-wide LTD benefit lawyers to learn what you should know about vision loss and long term disability benefits.

Do you qualify for long term disability benefits if you are experiencing vision loss?

While you will have to look at your policy to learn your insurance provider’s precise definition of disabling vision loss, the most straightforward way to qualify for long term disability benefits is to prove that your vision is legally blind or 20/200 or worse. In many cases, this will automatically qualify you for disability benefits. You may qualify for disability benefits if your vision problems alone, or combined with other health problems, prevent you from working.

What vision-related conditions are eligible for long term disability benefits?

As stated above, your eye condition must prevent you from working your job or any other reasonable job, in order for you to qualify for long term disability benefits. In light of that, many policies recognize the following eye conditions:

• Legal blindness: Your vision is 20/200 or less in your better eye or your field of vision is less than 20 degrees.
• Partial sight: Stemming from any number of causes, the applicant is unable to see properly so that even with corrective aids, normal activities, i.e. work, are prevented or seriously hindered.
• Glaucoma: A group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the health of which is vital for good vision. With damage caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye, this is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60.
• Macular degeneration: This is an age-related disease that affects a person’s central vision. Risk factors include being 50 and older, smoking, having high blood pressure and eating a diet high in saturated fat.
• Ocular melanoma: An extremely rare form of cancer that affects the eye.
• Sjögren’s Syndrome: An auto-immune disease in which white blood cells attack tear and saliva glands, resulting in dry eyes, fatigue and damage to various organs in the body.

If you are plagued by these or any other debilitating eye conditions, you would be well advised to reach out to one of our skilled long term disability insurance attorneys to discuss what your next steps should be. Our firm will help you draft and file a claim as well as appeal an unfavorable decision. Most of these cases are settled out of court, but there are no guarantees. So, please give us a call today.

Contact our experienced nationwide firm

If you or someone you know is looking to receive long term disability benefits and needs the help of an experienced attorney, speak with our nationwide LTD attorneys today. Our firm has significant experience helping people just like you obtain or defend their long term disability benefits. Contact Walker & Hern for a free consultation.