Any social security disability experts out here?

[mom-from-missouri]

Here is the deal.

This man has been to 2 doctors, one suggested he may qualify, the other said he would not qualify. He is wondering if he should pursue this further.

He has worked steadily, full time for the past 34 years, so has all his quarters in.

55 years old.
diabetic
has gerd
blind in one eye (completely)
severe gout-often hinders walking when it flares up
has varices (probably misspelled that one) in the esophagus as a result of an industrial accident years ago, where he inhaled sulfuric acid (same accident that claimed his eye). This causes frequent gi bleeds (2-3 times a year)

Due to the vision issues, he can not obtain a cld or drive for hire.
Vision also hinders working on a computer (or even watching tv) for any length of time as it gives him a headache and the screen "wiggles"

He tried to get on a work training program (to learn a new trade) but was turned down due to his age, and because many of the training programs or jobs to be trained for required 20-20 vision, which he does not have.

Any suggestions?

[snafu]

I would get in touch with every advocacy organization for the Blind. for Disabled, for Visually Impaired, for Sight Impaired for district, region, state and federal programs. AFB {American Foundation for the Blind], National Federation for the Blind, American Council for the Blind, Lighthouse International to ask their assistance, to ask for referral, and any links to assistance for disability. The Lions service group is famous for it's assistance to the blind. I'd ask for assistance and guidance through the maze of programs and organization that would be in a position to offer assistance.

Does the ophthalmologist or staff have lists of contact people or programs? This individual needs to research programs that can assist.

[retireby55]

In order to get disability due to vision problem, that person has to classified as legally blind. So even though he is completely blind in one eye, he still might not be legally blind if he can still see with his good eye. He can see an optometrist or ophthalmologist to check what his visual acuity is.

Definition of legal blindness: "best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye; or a visual field limitation such that the widest diameter of the visual field, in the better eye, subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees, as measured with a Goldmann III4e or equivalent size stimulus."

[disneysteve]

Any suggestions?

Yes. Apply for disability.

They will request records from his doctors and make a determination. Odds are he will be denied the first time. At that point, he will have his attorney file an appeal and will most likely get approved once that appeal goes through. The process may take a couple of years so the sooner he starts, the better off he'll be.