Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
10
↓
[USA] An update to my SSDI progress (self.Blind)
submitted by blazblu82
Got a call this morning from SSDI and they want to set up an appointment soon for an eye exam. I was told they need this for further evidence and they have everything else they need from a medical standpoint for my case.
Will the eye exam be done by SSDI or will I get sent to an eye dr of their choosing? What else can I expect from SSDI? Last acuity test I took, my acuity was around 50 to 60%. I'm hoping this exam is the last bit they need to decide whether I'm qualified for SSDI or not.
UPDATE: Had the eye exam and awaiting verdict. No idea how long it'll take them to make a decision.
Will the eye exam be done by SSDI or will I get sent to an eye dr of their choosing? What else can I expect from SSDI? Last acuity test I took, my acuity was around 50 to 60%. I'm hoping this exam is the last bit they need to decide whether I'm qualified for SSDI or not.
UPDATE: Had the eye exam and awaiting verdict. No idea how long it'll take them to make a decision.
Nikanoru181 4 points 1y ago
Following as we are soon to be in the same situation, best of luck!
blazblu82 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
The process hasn't been too bad. I'm doing this myself and if it fails, I'll get a lawyer. I think the Functional Adult paperwork has been the hardest part.
Hope it goes well for you!
Hope it goes well for you!
Nikanoru181 3 points 1y ago
Oh that paperwork was the worst. They should make the questions less generic if applying for blind or visual impairment.
blazblu82 [OP] 3 points 1y ago
Agreed! I had to type up and print my answers. My handwriting has become terrible since the decline of my vision and the space provided isn't enough for detailed answers. Hopefully, that'll be the only time.
BurningFlannery 3 points 1y ago
I’m not your lawyer, or anyone’s lawyer for that matter. Now that this is out of the way…
This will be done by DDS. When you apply for disability, SSA only handles the initial application, and then, if you are considered disabled, the calculation/dispensation of pay. After SSA takes your application, they send it to DDS (disability determination service), which is a subcontracted agency local to your state.
First claims are often denied, but if you are determined statutorily blind, it’s unlikely you’ll be denied.
I recommend looking at the blue book, which is also called the listing of impairments. That’s the metric DDS uses to determine if you’re disabled or not. If you match the specifics of a listing, you’ll be deemed disabled.
Blue book can be found here:
https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/listing-impairments.htm
Knowing the medical evidentiary requirements can help a ton, because it helps you more adequately advocate for yourself. If you’re going to be seen by one of their doctors, it is definitely in your best interest to make sure they test you up to their own standards.
Also, I recommend this book for understanding the ins and outs of the whole process:
https://www.amazon.com/Nolos-Guide-Social-Security-Disability-ebook/dp/B085LTY1DF/ref=nodl_
Good luck. It’s a brutal process. The best thing you can do for yourself is to get educated about how everything works. It’s practically a full-time job in and of itself, but that’s the US for you.
Again, best of luck.
This will be done by DDS. When you apply for disability, SSA only handles the initial application, and then, if you are considered disabled, the calculation/dispensation of pay. After SSA takes your application, they send it to DDS (disability determination service), which is a subcontracted agency local to your state.
First claims are often denied, but if you are determined statutorily blind, it’s unlikely you’ll be denied.
I recommend looking at the blue book, which is also called the listing of impairments. That’s the metric DDS uses to determine if you’re disabled or not. If you match the specifics of a listing, you’ll be deemed disabled.
Blue book can be found here:
https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/listing-impairments.htm
Knowing the medical evidentiary requirements can help a ton, because it helps you more adequately advocate for yourself. If you’re going to be seen by one of their doctors, it is definitely in your best interest to make sure they test you up to their own standards.
Also, I recommend this book for understanding the ins and outs of the whole process:
https://www.amazon.com/Nolos-Guide-Social-Security-Disability-ebook/dp/B085LTY1DF/ref=nodl_
Good luck. It’s a brutal process. The best thing you can do for yourself is to get educated about how everything works. It’s practically a full-time job in and of itself, but that’s the US for you.
Again, best of luck.
blazblu82 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
I'm reading through the blue book now about how they test. I may very well fall within statutory blindness or very close to it.
Thanks for the information!
Thanks for the information!
PaleontologistTrue74 3 points 1y ago
It's the doctor they chose. This double check is annoying but it's what they do to scrape away frauds.
I had to travel 2 hours to get this second check just because our little town only had 1 eye doctor.
I had to travel 2 hours to get this second check just because our little town only had 1 eye doctor.
blazblu82 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Yeah, I understand that which is why getting disability is so difficult these days.
Ugh, what a pain, lol
Ugh, what a pain, lol
PaleontologistTrue74 1 points 1y ago
Yea dude they scrutinize us so extremely just for 12 k a year. Yeah, this is the life boys. Lobster and caviar
DHamlinMusic 3 points 1y ago
Just wanted to add that once you get it, make sure you have contact preferences set to getting a call each time they mail you something, also if you do not read braille make sure they know cause otherwise you might get a lovely braille book with literally not a single word of print, I kept mine just cause it's funny.
blazblu82 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
So far, I haven't had anything in braille.
I did have to question them about the mailing address they keep using. Despite telling them several times, they insist on using my old address for whatever reason. I reminded them again today.
Thanks!
I did have to question them about the mailing address they keep using. Despite telling them several times, they insist on using my old address for whatever reason. I reminded them again today.
Thanks!
DHamlinMusic 2 points 1y ago
Yeah they can be dense, I told them no braille when I let them know I was blind and yet still got that book, also set up an account on the MySOcialSecurity site (not going to link cause not positive on the address).
blazblu82 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
I initiated everything through SSDI's website. Personally, they could have all the forms available to fill out on their website. Would prefer that over getting a standard print copy and a large print copy of everything from them.
carolineecouture 3 points 1y ago
I don't know the answer to this, but I wanted to say, "Good luck!"
blazblu82 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Thank you!
TechnicalPragmatist 2 points 1y ago
Well hopefully things go well for you.
vip-sizzles 1 points 1y ago
Hope the exam goes well & you are able to qualify. For SSA mailings, there is an option to have them in CD format. SSA sends me both a standard paper copy & a digital copy on CD. I definitely prefer that over the large print format.
blazblu82 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Thanks, I hope it does, too. Although, I don't think I will since my acuity isn't 20/100 or worse. Good eye has other issues which I hope will work in my favor.
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.