Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

For many veterans who suffer from disabilities caused by their military service, a veterans disability lawsuit might be the solution. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, such as medical treatment and special programs.

However, getting those benefits is a lot more difficult for Black veterans, as per 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

When people experience trauma it may cause them to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms include anxiety, nightmares, or frightening flashbacks. This disorder can make a person avoid areas or situations that trigger memories of their traumatic experience. This can lead individuals to feel isolated and depressed. The good news is that PTSD can be managed with counseling and medication as well as the support of family members.

A lawsuit that was filed jointly by Black veterans and Yale law clinics has revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims of Black veterans repeatedly over a long period of time. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower notified the veterans that VA documents revealed that Black veterans were denied benefits at a higher percentage than white veterans.

The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley monk and Yale's woburn veterans disability attorney Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit refers to statistics that show that between 2001 between 2001 and 2020, the average rate for Black veterans with disability claims was rejected at 29.5 percent, as compared to 24.2 percent of white bedford heights veterans disability lawsuit.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for Monk and Black veterans who were wrongfully denied benefits. The lawsuit also seeks to make VA to review tens of thousands of claims that were wrongly denied. The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court.

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI can be mild, moderate or even severe and symptoms may be immediately evident or develop days or weeks after the injury. Some signs (headache, dizziness, fatigue) are physical, while others can include memory, concentration, [Redirect-302] emotion or behavior problems. People suffering from TBI may experience problems with their emotions, concentration, or even behavior. TBI might also have difficulty moving around, or have problems with balance and vision.

The damage to the brain caused by a TBI can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, whether it's from a force that is blunt or penetrating wound (such as from a gun). The impact can result in a skull fracture that can lead to bleeding and bruising of the brain within the skull. The brain can swell and press against the skull, causing blood circulation. The injury may occur in the entire brain or in a specific lobe.

Certain TBIs are classified as open, while others are closed. The classification depends on whether the skull has been damaged or not, as well as whether the skull was opened or closed due to the impact. TBIs vary in severity, from concussions all the way to death. People who suffer from TBI are more at risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions. A few studies suggest that having a variety of moderate to severe TBIs could increase the risk of developing dementia and movement disorders later on in life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, develops after people experience a trauma. Symptoms can start when the event is over or even years later. Memory problems, difficulties in sleeping and concentrating, feelings of anger or irritability, and being easily startled are some of the symptoms. Some people may feel depressed or suicidal. Stress can cause issues at work, with relationships, and at home. It can also lead alcohol or drug addiction.

The symptoms can be treated using psychotherapy, such as eye movement desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Some people with PTSD benefit from taking antidepressants such as selective serotonin receptor inhibitors or SNRIs. The medications help manage symptoms and make everyday activities more enjoyable.

Some research examines how to prevent PTSD. This includes examining how genes and the brain may influence the way a person reacts to trauma. Researchers are looking into how a normal response to stress may turn into PTSD and how it can be treated early.

It is important to see an expert if you suffer from PTSD. The symptoms that hinder your daily life, such as difficulties in relating with others or feeling angry and upset, should be addressed promptly. Self-help can be beneficial for some people with PTSD. They may benefit from talking about their experiences during therapy, or doing relaxation exercises such as deep breathing and rhythmic exercises. They may also benefit by being able to discuss their anxieties with someone they trust.

Depression

Depression is a condition that can cause feelings of despair and sadness. It can be treated with psychotherapy, which involves speaking with a therapist about the issues which are causing you issues. You may also be prescribed medication to improve your mood. There are many different kinds of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists you change negative attitudes and behaviors, and interpersonal therapy, which is focused on your relationship. There are group therapy options that bring people suffering from similar conditions together in a supportive environment.

The lawsuit claims that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for a long time by refusing disability claims at a higher percentage than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been trying to get medical benefits as well as housing and education benefits for more than 50 years. The lawsuit was filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented during his successful fight to rescind his unhonorable military discharge because of PTSD and other injuries.

The lawsuit claims that racial bias in the justice system of the military affected the discharge status of a number of Black service members and VA officials should have been aware this prior to making the decisions on disability compensation. The lawsuit cites a study which revealed that, between 2001 and 2020 the average denial rate of Black veterans who applied to receive disability compensation was 29,5%, compared with 24,2 percent for white veterans.