Which level of blindness qualifies as a permanent total disability?

Blindness in both eyes qualifies as a permanent total disability due to the profound impact it has on an individual's functionality and ability to perform daily tasks without assistance. Permanent total disability is generally defined as a condition that results in a total and irreversible loss of physical or mental capability to the extent that an individual is unable to work or care for themselves effectively.

When a person is blind in both eyes, they experience complete loss of sight, which significantly hinders navigation, independence, and engagement in numerous activities. This level of impairment is recognized across various disability frameworks and can drastically affect a person's quality of life, making it essential to classify it as a permanent total disability for purposes related to employment, insurance, and rehabilitation services.

On the other hand, the other conditions listed—blindness in one eye, partial vision loss, and temporary blindness—do not meet the criteria for permanent total disability. Blindness in one eye may still allow for sufficient visual capability with the other eye, while partial vision loss means some level of sight remains, allowing for potential adaptation and continued functioning. Temporary blindness is by definition not permanent, so it would not qualify regardless of its severity or impact at that moment.