Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

A veterans disability lawsuit could be a solution for a large number of veterans suffering from disabilities due to their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, including medical care and programs for veterans.

However, obtaining these benefits is disproportionately difficult for Black veterans, according to a lawsuit filed on Monday. The suit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk Jr. by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic.

PTSD

PTSD symptoms can manifest when someone is traumatized. Symptoms may include anxiety, nightmares or flashbacks that are disturbing. This condition can make people to avoid areas or situations that trigger memories of their traumatic experience. This can lead individuals to feel isolated and depressed. Counseling, medication and the support from family members can combat PTSD.

A new lawsuit filed by Black veterans and a Yale law clinic has revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs has been systematically denying disability compensation claims to Black vets for decades. NPR's Quil Lawrence claims that a whistleblower has told the vets that VA internal documents revealed that Black veterans were denied benefits more often than their white counterparts.

The lawsuit was brought by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley Monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites figures showing that between 2001 and 2020, the rate for Black veterans' disability claims was rejected at 29.5 percent, as compared to 24.2 percent of white veterans.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for Monk and other Black veterans who were denied benefits. It also seeks to force the VA to reconsider hundreds of other claims that were incorrectly dismissed. The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court.

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI symptoms can be acute or may develop for hours, days or even weeks later. Some of the symptoms are physical (headache dizziness, fatigue, and headache) and others are related to problems with memory focus, emotions, or behavior. TBI patients may also experience problems with movement or vision and balance.

The brain's damage due to a TBI can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, regardless of whether it was caused by a sharp force or a penetrating injury (such as from a shot). The impact may cause the skull to break which can cause bleeding and bruising of the brain inside the skull. The brain then may swell, pushing against the skull and cutting off blood flow. The injury could occur throughout the entire brain or a specific lobe.

Certain TBIs are classified as open while others are closed. The classification is based on whether or not the skull has been fractured and whether the skull was open or closed by the impact. TBIs are a variety of severity, ranging from concussions all the way to death. People who suffer from TBIs have a higher chance of developing depression and PTSD, as well as other mental health problems. A few studies suggest that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the chance of developing dementia and movement problems in later years.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD is the result of having to suffer a trauma. The symptoms can manifest when the event is over and continue for a long time. Memory problems, difficulty sleep and concentration, feelings of anger or irritability, and being easily scared are a few of the signs. Certain people may be depressed or suicidal. PTSD can cause problems at workplace, in relationships and at home. It can also cause alcohol or drug addiction.

The symptoms can be treated with psychotherapy, including eye movement desensitisation and processing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants like selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can be beneficial for some people with PTSD. The medications can help manage the symptoms and help people get through daily activities.

Some studies explore ways to avoid PTSD. This includes examining how the brain and genes affect a person's response to a trauma. Others are exploring how a normal response to stress develops into PTSD and how to treat it earlier.

If you suspect PTSD, it is important to seek out a medical professional. Any symptoms that impact your everyday life, like difficulty relating to other people or feeling angry and upset, should be addressed promptly. Some people with PTSD require self-help methods which includes discussing their experiences in therapy or utilizing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or exercise. They may also gain from being able to share their fears with a trusted individual.

Here are some of the ways to reduce your risk of contracting a disease:

Depression can lead to feelings of despair or sadness. Psychotherapy is one option to manage depression. It involves speaking with a professional about the problems you are experiencing. It may also include medication that can help boost your mood. There are several different types of psychotherapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists to change negative beliefs and habits and interpersonal therapy which is focused on your relationship. There are group therapies which bring people with similar conditions together in a supportive environment.

The lawsuit alleges that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for a long time by refusing disability claims at an increased rate than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been fighting for medical benefits as well as housing and education benefits for over 50 years. The lawsuit was filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented in his successful attempt to reverse his less-than honorable military discharge because of PTSD and other injuries.

The lawsuit claims that racial prejudice in the military justice system affected the discharge status of a number of Black service members and VA officials should have been aware this when making the decisions on disability compensation. It cites a research study that discovered that between 2001 and the year 2020, veterans disability lawsuit the average denial rate for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5 percent, compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans disability attorneys.