Disability Benefits for a Person Suffering from De Vivo Disease
The human body – and the brain in particular – relies heavily on glucose, and needs an efficient system to transport the molecule around the body. GLUT1 or Glucose Transporter Type 1 is the molecule responsible for supplying ample adequate amounts of glucose reach various areas of the body.
Some individuals have a deficiency of the GLUT1 molecule, leading to insufficient amounts of glucose traveling from the blood to vital areas like the brain. This lack of glucose disrupts the blood-brain barrier, which can result in mental retardation or other neurological problems. This dearth of GLUT1 molecules is referred to as De Vivo Disease.
De Vivo disease symptoms are severe, as it affects a person’s brain. Seizures and stunted growth of the skull, creating an abnormally small head, are two of the more dire repercussions. Other symptoms include lack of muscular control, speech difficulties, and difficulty coordinating movements.
Statistics indicate this condition surfaces mostly in infancy, with seizures beginning to occur at the early age. Despite the complex nature of the ailment, medical advances have developed appropriate treatments. Treatment for GLUT1 deficiency aims to tackle the dearth of glucose in the body’s system by replacing glucose in the person’s diet (ie. Fructose as a potential substitute). Constant attention is needed for a person with De Vivo disease, as consequences of the disability are generally permanent.
How Does the Disability Tax Credit Work?
Taking into account the severity of De Vivo disease, and the potentially permanent affects on the brain and body, the condition is considered a disability by the Canadian government. As such, to help offset costs and preserve a high quality of life, Canada Revenue Agency offers disability benefits like the Canadian Disability Tax Credit. In the case of De Vivo disease, which is predominant in children, the Child Disability Tax Credit is another option.
Despite disability tax refunds readily available for many eligible Canadians, unclaimed disability tax credits are very common. The DTC application process is meticulous and time-consuming, pushing people away from even applying.
How Can the NBA Help?
The National Benefit Authority is Canada’s largest disability tax service provider, having assisted thousands of Canadians in successfully claiming disability credits. Our in-house team of experts can help determine your Disability Tax Credit eligibility, and walk you through your Canadian Disability Tax Credit application (Form T2201).
We believe that you and your family have enough financial and emotional stresses, on top of the paperwork and research required for the Disability Tax Credit. We can guide you through every step towards recovering your unclaimed disability tax credit or Child Disability Tax Credit, helping you and your family maintain a high standard of living and quality of life.