SSA Blue Book · Section 2.00

All Blue Book listings / Special Senses and Speech

Special Senses and Speech Listings

Section 2.00 covers disorders of vision, hearing, balance, and speech. The listings focus on documented testing and the functional effect of the impairment, not just its diagnosis.

Conditions covered

This section can apply to severe vision loss, visual-field problems, hearing loss, vestibular disorders that affect balance, and loss of speech. The exact listing depends on the affected sense and objective findings.

Key listings in Section 2.00

  • 2.02 — Loss of visual acuity

    Evaluates central visual acuity in the better eye using best-corrected measurements.

  • 2.03–2.04 — Visual-field loss and visual efficiency

    Address contraction of the visual fields and loss of visual efficiency or acuity.

  • 2.07 — Disturbance of labyrinthine-vestibular function

    Covers specified vestibular findings with balance or movement symptoms.

  • 2.09–2.11 — Loss of speech and hearing loss

    Include loss of speech and hearing criteria, including hearing loss evaluated with or without cochlear implantation.

These are plain-language summaries, not the full regulatory criteria. Review the official Blue Book for the complete requirements and definitions.

Evidence SSA may consider

  • Eye records may include best-corrected acuity, visual-field test results, and reports identifying the test method and reliability.
  • Hearing records may include audiograms, speech-recognition testing, and cochlear implant records when relevant. Vestibular claims may need examination findings and testing that document balance problems.
  • SSA may also consider treatment, assistive devices, communication needs, and descriptions of how the impairment affects daily and work activities.

If the listing is not met

If the exact Section 2.00 criteria are not met or medically equaled, SSA still considers the combined effects of your impairments. Sensory limits can affect reading, communication, safety, pace, and the ability to follow instructions.

SSA evaluates those supported effects in the RFC assessment and considers them at Steps 4 and 5. The Grid Rules may not decide a claim by themselves when nonexertional limits, such as vision or hearing restrictions, are important.

Related resources

Read the official SSA Blue Book for Section 2.00

This page provides general information, not medical or legal advice. It is not a determination of whether any person qualifies for benefits.