Arthritis and Long-Term Disability Benefits in Canada

Approximately 1 in 5 Canadians live with arthritis, making it the country’s most common chronic disease. Characterized by inflammation of the joints, there are more than a hundred different forms of arthritis. The disease can affect anyone, of any age, and depending on the particular form as well as timeliness of treatment, can have debilitating effects. At present, there is no known cure.

Modern medical advances have made many treatments available for reducing the impacts of arthritis on afflicted individuals, in service of improving their quality of life. However, no two sets of circumstances are the same. The process of seeking out and implementing appropriate treatment can be challenging in some situations. Some forms of arthritis can have devastating effects on a person’s mobility. Some forms may even affect the functioning of vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, and lungs.

Arthritis may affect an individual’s ability to work. From the impacts of joint stiffness and chronic pain to the possibly life-threatening consequences of organ damage, arthritis can prevent a person from being able to meaningfully engage not only in their career, but even in a reasonable enjoyment of life.

Through long-term disability benefits, you may be able to receive financial support of up to 70% of your regular income while you are unable to work. If you have applied for benefits but were denied, you may be eligible to appeal.

To learn what may be possible in your specific case, and what steps may be in your best interests, contact us at Preszler Injury Lawyers today. We will be happy to discuss your particular circumstances and offer insights into what steps might be able to provide you and your family with the support you need.

What Is Arthritis?

There are over one hundred different forms of arthritis, each of which has different causes and distinct sets of symptoms. What ties the forms of arthritis together is an inflammation and/or stiffening of the joints, which is often accompanied by pain. A person may experience arthritis in a specific area of their body, or they may experience its impacts in many parts of their body.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form, sometimes called a “wear and tear” disease because of its degenerative nature. Most commonly affecting the knees, hips, and hands, osteoarthritis involves a breakdown of the cartilage within a joint. The most common symptoms include stiffness, swelling, and pain. Typically, symptoms come on slowly and worsen over time. For some people, osteoarthritis may worsen to the degree that they are no longer able to engage in day-to-day activities, including work.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of autoimmune disorder, meaning the immune system mistakenly targets healthy cells instead of invasive pathogens. With rheumatoid arthritis, immune cells attack joint tissues, causing inflammation and subsequent damage. This damage can cause chronic pain, lack of balance, and deformity in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis may at times affect organ tissues such as the lungs, eyes, and heart.

A common form of inflammatory arthritis, gout often has very painful symptoms. It often afflicts the big toe joint, and typically flares up one joint at a time. Multiple bouts of gout may lead to gouty arthritis, which is a progressively worsening condition. While there is no cure currently available, a variety of effective treatments exist that may allow individuals with gout manage the condition.

Other forms of arthritis include psiroatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, septic arthritis, and more.

The risk of arthritis may be mitigated by maintaining a healthy lifestyle including ample movement and nutrient-rich food. However, hereditary factors may impact a person’s predisposition to the disease, no matter how otherwise healthy they may be. Overall, as with any long-term health conditions, being mindful of one’s eating and exercising habits is likely to have a net positive effect on the severity of symptoms.

Long-Term Disability Benefits for Arthritis

Arthritis can severely impact an individual’s ability to work. If you or someone you love are unable to earn an income as a result of a disabling condition, you may be eligible for financial assistance through long-term disability benefits.

It can be challenging to navigate applying for benefits on your own, which is why our long-term disability benefits lawyers are here to help. With compassionate, efficient service, our team is here to listen and offer our insights into what steps may best benefit you and your family.Whether you are considering applying for long-term disability benefits for your arthritis and would like to discuss the steps, or have already applied but have received a denial from your insurance company, our team would be happy to talk. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Contact Our Long Term Disability Lawyers For a Free Initial Consultation

An inflammatory condition that can have disabling effects on an individual’s joints and possibly vital organs, arthritis comes in many different forms. If you are unable to work as a result of your condition, there may be help available through long-term disability benefits. Our long-term disability benefits lawyers understands that many factors may be at play in your unique case. We strive to approach each client with diligence and compassion, offering tailored support depending on the particular needs of the case.

Contact us today to book your call and learn what a difference we might make for you.