Listing code
2.03
Adult (Part A)
Body system
2.00
Special senses and speech
Subsections
3
Lettered criteria paths
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Contraction of the visual field in the better eye, with:
Subsection A
The widest diameter subtending an angle around the point of fixation no greater than 20 degrees; OR
Subsection 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
Subsection C
A visual field efficiency of 20 percent or less, determined by kinetic perimetry (see 2.00A7c ).
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 2.03. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 2.03 usually fail
One pitfall is using measurements from the worse eye instead of the better eye. Another is stopping at a generic diagnosis like 'visual field loss' without the specific numeric threshold required by 2.03A, 2.03B, or 2.03C. A third pitfall is relying on perimetry results that do not match the testing scope required, such as automated static threshold perimetry needing the central 30 degrees, or kinetic perimetry needing the visual field efficiency value. A fourth pitfall is quoting a non-matching metric, like a field-area estimate, when the listing requires either widest diameter in degrees, decibels from the specified test, or percent efficiency from the specified test.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
The key documentation is objective perimetry that reports the specific numbers tied to 2.03A, 2.03B, or 2.03C for the better eye. For 2.03A, the record needs the widest diameter subtending an angle around the point of fixation that is no greater than 20 degrees. For 2.03B, the record needs an automated static threshold perimetry measurement expressed as 'MD' of 22 decibels or greater, with the test measuring the central 30 degrees of the visual field. For 2.03C, the record needs kinetic perimetry showing visual field efficiency of 20 percent or less. Reports should be clear about which eye is 'better eye' for the results and should reflect the correct testing method (automated static threshold perimetry for 2.03B, kinetic perimetry for 2.03C).
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If the measurable criteria in 2.03A, 2.03B, or 2.03C are not met, the claim does not automatically end. The decision can still consider how limited vision affects work-related abilities using the residual functional capacity (RFC) process. Then the outcome depends on whether the remaining functional limits, together with age and other vocational factors, lead to a finding of disability under the usual step-by-step process.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
At the start of an SSDI claim, eligibility is checked against substantial gainful activity (SGA) before turning to medical listings. For 2.03 specifically, the listing criteria focus on objective contraction of the visual field in the better eye, such as a widest diameter no greater than 20 degrees (2.03A) or perimetry results reaching 22 decibels or greater MD on automated static threshold testing over the central 30 degrees (2.03B), or kinetic perimetry visual field efficiency of 20 percent or less (2.03C). If the claim is approved, trial work and the extended period of eligibility apply as they do for other approved SSDI claims.
Listing 2.03 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for contraction of the visual field in the better eye, with disability claims.