Osteoarthritis FAQs And Disability Tax Benefits In Canada

What is osteoarthritis?
It is the most common form of arthritis. It is also known as wear and tear arthritis, degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis. The disease involves perfunctory abnormalities related to joint degradation.

What causes this disease?
It is mainly caused as a result of breaking down of joint-cartilages. Certain metabolic, hereditary or mechanical reasons lead to the loss of cartilages. Some of the factors that lead to primary osteoarthritis are:

• Family history
• Joint injuries
• Excessive stress on the joints
• Recurring use of joints
• Being obese

It is often related to old age but not caused as a result of aging. Degenerative arthritis is also secondary in nature. Secondary OA could result as an outcome of other conditions or diseases like:

• Diabetes
• Joint injuries from accidents
• Obesity
• Joint disorders
• Inflammatory diseases
• Joint infections
• Deterioration of ligaments
• Wilson’s disease

How does degenerative arthritis affect the life of the patient?
OA concerns different people in different ways. In few cases, the disease is progressive and serious in nature. Generally, OA affects people in neck, fingers, knees, hips, lower back and thumbs. It results in weakness and pain. However, the disease not only affects its victims physically, it also affects people as far as their lifestyle and monetary matters are concerned.
Financial effects comprise:

• Huge expenses on treatments
• Loss of wages owing to disability

Lifestyle effects could include:

• Job limitations
• Feeling of helplessness
• Depression
• Difficulty in performing daily activities
• Anxiety

The condition frequently targets people who are aged above fifty and women.

Are their any tax benefits associated with this condition?
Canadian Government is offering grants and tax benefits to individuals suffering from mental or physical disabilities. Since osteoarthritis is a condition that hinges on disability, the Canadian Government recognizes it under the scheme of disability tax benefits. However, the procedure to reap the benefits is often complicated and the patient has to face a lot of stress before he or she makes the most out of them. Hence, the Canadian Disability Tax Specialists assists these OA patients to get every dollar they can. If someone has been undergoing medical condition that limits daily activities for at least one year and has not claimed the disability tax benefits, they should contact Canadian Disability Tax Specialists and try out the free eligibility assessment program to know their eligibility to receive disability tax credits.

SUMMARY: Osteoarthritis is a disease that involves joint degradation as a result of breaking down of joint-cartilages. The Canadian Government offers disability tax benefits to patients of OA; the Canadian Disability Tax Specialists assists these OA patients to reap the benefits easily.