What is Lupus
Lupus (sometimes generically referred to as SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus) is an autoimmune disease that takes on several forms. It can affect any part of the body but most commonly attacks the skin, joints, the heart, lungs, blood, kidneys, and brain.
Signs & Symptoms of Lupus
Initial and chronic lupus symptoms mimic the symptoms of several diseases, leading to misdiagnosis. Initial symptoms often include:
- Fever
- Malaise, or general discomfort
- Joint paint
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
Usually, it isn’t until those symptoms are coupled with other, more suggestive signs that doctors tend to walk down the lupus path. Those signs include, but are not limited to:
- Skin ulcers, lesions and rashes, most significantly malar rash, commonly called butterfly rash.
- Anemia
- Iron deficiency
- Cardiac issues, such as pericarditis, myocarditis, and endocarditis.
- Pleuritis and other lung inflammation
- Renal issues, including painless hematuria or proteinuria
- Seizures
Treatment for Lupus
Currently, there is no cure for lupus, but patients can lead a normal life through medical treatment. Treatment focuses on the symptoms of lupus, rather than the disease itself.
- Drug therapy, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and immune system modulators.
- Acupuncture (an alternative, but not recommended treatment)
- Phototherapy, or light therapy
- Lifestyle moderation, including weight loss and protection from the sun
Eligibility Criteria for Disability Tax Credit for Lupus
One phrase you’ll see and hear repeatedly when applying for the DTC is “markedly restricted”. In short, a “markedly restricted” person is one who will have difficulties performing at least one of the following basic functions of daily life:
- Feeding
- Dressing
- Walking
- Speaking
- Elimination of bowel and/or bladder
- Mental functions necessary for daily living
As mentioned, in order for the CRA to determine Disability Tax Credit eligibility, Part B of the DTC application must be filled out completely and correctly by the health practitioner most familiar with your situation. A relevant health practitioner may include an MD, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist an optometrist an audiologist or anyone else with specific, specialized knowledge of your case.
The medical practitioner must take care to fill in all required fields and provide any supporting information CRA may request or require. Failure to comply with CRA requests or requirements will likely lead to the application being rejected.
Click Here To Check Your Eligibility for Disability Tax Credit for Lupus
How To Apply for Disability Tax Credit for Lupus
Step 1 – Free Assessment: During the initial consultation we’ll familiarize ourselves with your case including the type and length of your disability, physical and/or mental impairments resulting from the disability and estimated cost of your medications and therapies. We’ll use this information to do a preliminary assessment and determine if you have a solid case.
Step 2 – Submission of Relevant Consent Forms: Should we determine you have a strong case for eligibility we’ll need you to sign off on all relevant consent forms. This step allows us to commence our advocacy of your application and proceed on all fronts.
Step 3 – Specialized Medical and Tax Advocacy: During this stage we liaise with relevant government agencies, medical specialists, doctors, therapists and others to establish a rock solid foundation for your case. Our constant monitoring of your Disability Tax Credit application status, swift and effective handling of any issues that arise and valuable insights into the vagaries of the process are all key elements of our outstanding approval record.
Step 4 – Receiving Your Benefits: Once we have obtained approval for your application our job is complete and you will receive your refund and benefits.
Disability Tax Credit Consultants at DCC can help to +claim this tax credit and collect up to $40,000 in disability tax credits.