Listing code
102.04
Children (Part B)
Body system
102.00
Special senses and speech (children)
Subsections
2
Lettered criteria paths
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Loss ofvisual efficiency, or visual impairment, in the better eye :
Subsection A
A visual efficiency percentage of 20 or less after best correction (see 102.00A7d ). OR
Subsection B
A visual impairment value of 1.00 or greater after best correction (see 102.00A8d ).
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 102.04. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 102.04 usually fail
Many claims miss because they use untreated vision or the worse eye instead of the better eye after best correction, which is required in 102.04A and 102.04B. Another common failure is using a result that does not match the listing's specific metric, because the criteria require either a visual efficiency percentage of 20 or less or a visual impairment value of 1.00 or greater. Some people focus on visual acuity or visual fields alone without confirming they have the exact 'visual efficiency' or 'visual impairment value' measurement the listing uses. Others rely on tests that reflect reduced vision from conditions not tied to the better-eye metric shown in 102.04A or 102.04B.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
The most important documentation is the post-best-correction testing result for the better eye that reports the 'visual efficiency percentage' for 102.04A or the 'visual impairment value' for 102.04B. Because 102.04A refers to 'best correction' and points to 102.00A7d, and 102.04B refers to 'best correction' and points to 102.00A8d, the records should clearly indicate what 'best correction' was used when the measurement was taken. Evidence should focus on the better-eye measurements that match the listing's specific numbers, not just general descriptions like 'blurred vision' or 'needs glasses.'
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If the child does not meet 102.04A or 102.04B as written, the claim can still be decided by using the childhood disability process in steps 4 and 5. Step 4 looks at what the child can still do despite the vision limitations, which is captured in a functional way. Step 5 compares the child's remaining abilities to the kinds of functioning SSA considers in disability decisions, and it can still allow a finding even when the exact listing numbers are not met.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
For SSDI, work activity is evaluated as part of the initial eligibility process, before the deeper medical review, and this matters for any claim that includes work history. In general terms, a visual efficiency percentage of 20 or less or a visual impairment value of 1.00 or greater in the better eye after best correction (102.04A or 102.04B) reflects a level of vision loss that can make sustained age-appropriate school and daily tasks harder, but the final decision still depends on the child's remaining functioning. After approval, eligibility for ongoing benefits can continue under SSA's standard work-related rules for those approved, with the usual trial work and extended eligibility concepts applying once benefits are established.
Listing 102.04 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for loss ofvisual efficiency, or visual impairment, in the better eye disability claims.