Listing code
2.02
Adult (Part A)
Body system
2.00
Special senses and speech
Subsections
0
No lettered criteria
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Loss of Central Visual Acuity. Remaining vision in the better eye after best correction is 20/200 or less.
This listing has no lettered subsections. The diagnosis itself, supported by the medical evidence described in the body-system overview, is what SSA evaluates.
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 2.02. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 2.02 usually fail
Many claims miss because the vision number used is not from the better eye. Another common failure is using vision measured without best correction, rather than "after best correction." Some people also focus on a diagnosis alone without the required vision acuity measurement showing 20/200 or less in the better eye. Lastly, if the recorded acuity does not clearly reflect central visual acuity, the medical evidence may not match what the listing requires.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
The key medical evidence is a clear measurement of central visual acuity in the better eye after best correction, showing 20/200 or less. Documentation should reflect the better-eye result under the best correction that was used for the test, not a worse-eye measurement or an uncorrected value. Eye care clinician records that include the acuity measurement with the "better eye after correction" context are the most directly relevant.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If the better-eye central visual acuity after best correction is not at 20/200 or less, the claim generally moves to step 4 and uses the residual functional capacity (RFC) to decide how the vision limits still affect work-related tasks. The RFC assessment can still account for functional vision limitations even when the exact listing threshold is not met. Over time, the final disability decision can also consider the RFC together with other factors like age, education, and work experience.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
For an SSDI claim, work above the SGA level generally cannot continue in a way that counts as substantial gainful activity once the claim is being evaluated. When someone meets listing 2.02, the condition's requirement is a central visual acuity level in the better eye of 20/200 or less after best correction. If approved, eligibility continues beyond the approval decision through the usual trial-work and extended eligibility periods under SSA rules, so benefits are not limited to only the initial month after approval.
Listing 2.02 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for loss of central visual acuity disability claims.