Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

A veterans disability lawsuit could be a solution for a lot 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 those benefits is disproportionately difficult for Black veterans, according to the latest 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 traumatized people suffer. The symptoms can include anxiety, nightmares, or frightening flashbacks. The condition can also cause someone to avoid certain locations or situations that bring back memories of the trauma. This can cause individuals to feel isolated and depressed. The good news is that PTSD can be treated with the help of counseling and medication, as well as support from family members.

A new lawsuit brought by Black veterans and a Yale law clinic has revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs has repeatedly denied disability compensation claims to Black veterans for years. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower informed the vets that VA documents showed 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 Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites figures showing that between 2001 and 2020, the percentage for Black veterans disability attorneys' disability claims was rejected at 29.5 percent, compared to 24.2 percent of white veterans.

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

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI can be mild, moderate or severe and symptoms can be immediately evident or develop within a few hours or even weeks after the injury. Some signs (headache, dizziness, fatigue) are physical, while others may include emotions, memory, concentration or behavioral issues. TBI patients may also have trouble moving or having problems with vision and balance.

The brain injury caused by a TBI can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt on the head, whether it's from a force that is blunt or a penetrating injury (such as from a bullet). The impact may cause the skull fracture, which may lead to bleeding and bruising of the brain within the skull. The brain may then swell pushing against the skull and cutting off blood flow. The injury could affect the entire brain, or a specific lobe of the brain.

Some TBIs are classified as open while others are closed. The classification is dependent on whether or not the skull was fractured and whether the skull was shattered or opened due to the impact. TBIs are a variety of severity, from concussions to death. People who suffer from TBIs are more at risk likelihood of developing depression and PTSD, as well as other mental health issues. A few studies suggest that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs may increase the risk of developing dementia and movement issues in later life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, develops after people are traumatized. The symptoms may manifest right after the incident or a few years later. Memory problems, difficulty concentrating and sleeping, feelings of anger or irritability as well as being easily startled are some of the symptoms. Some people may feel depressed or suicidal. The PTSD condition can cause issues at work, in relationships, and at home. It can also cause addiction, such as alcohol or drugs.

Psychotherapy can treat symptoms, like eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Some people suffering from PTSD benefit from taking antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. The medications help manage symptoms and make everyday activities more enjoyable.

A few studies are looking at ways to prevent PTSD as well as examining whether the brain or genes can influence a person's response to trauma. Researchers are looking into the ways in which a normal response to stress could turn into PTSD, and how to treat it early.

It is crucial to visit a doctor if you have PTSD. It is important to address issues that impact your daily life such as difficulties in relating to others, or being annoyed and frustrated. Self-help can be beneficial for those suffering from PTSD. They could benefit from discussing their experiences in therapy, or practicing relaxation exercises like deep breathing and a rhythmic exercise. They may also benefit from being able to share their anxieties with someone they trust.

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Depression is an illness that can trigger feelings of despair and sadness. Psychotherapy is a method to manage depression. This involves talking to an expert about the issues you are experiencing. It may also include medication, which can help to improve your mood. There are several different types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists you overcome negative attitudes and behaviors as well as interpersonal therapy, which is focused on your relationship. There are group therapies that bring people suffering from similar ailments together in a supportive atmosphere.

The lawsuit claims that the VA has discriminated against Black veterans for years, by denying disability compensation claims in a higher proportion than white veterans. It was filed on behalf of Conley Monk, an Vietnam War veteran who tried to obtain medical benefits as well as housing assistance and education benefits for more than 50 years. The lawsuit was filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented in his successful effort to rescind his less than honorable military discharge because of PTSD and other injuries.

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