Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

A veterans disability lawsuit could be the answer for many veterans suffering from disabilities as a result of their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to those who served in the military, such as medical care and specialty programs.

However, getting those benefits is disproportionately difficult for Black veterans, according to the latest lawsuit filed on Monday. The Yale Law School Veterans Legal Services Clinic filed the suit on behalf of Conley M. Monk Jr.

PTSD

If people suffer from trauma it can lead them to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can manifest as flashbacks, nightmares or anxiety that cause anxiety. The condition can cause people to avoid certain places or situations that bring back memories of the traumatic event. This can lead people to feel isolated and depressed. Counseling, medication, and support from family members can help to treat PTSD.

A new lawsuit brought jointly by Black veterans and the Yale law clinics found that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims made by Black veterans consistently over the course of decades. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower informed 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 Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites statistics that show that from 2001 to 2020 the rate of rejection for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, compared to 24.2% for white veterans.

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

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI can be mild, moderate or even severe and symptoms may become evident or develop in the hours or even weeks following the injury. There are physical symptoms (headache dizziness, fatigue and headache) while others include problems with memory and concentration, emotional or behavior. TBI patients may also experience difficulty moving or with balance and vision.

TBIs can be caused by the occurrence of a TBI when the brain is damaged as a result of a bump or blow to the head. This could result from an injury that is blunt or a penetrating injury (such as the impact of a bullet). The impact may cause the skull to fracture which can cause 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 can occur in the entire brain or the lobe in which it is located.

Certain TBIs can be classified as closed and others as open. The classification is based on whether or not the skull has been fractured and whether or not the skull was shattered or opened by the impact. TBIs can differ in severity from concussion to being in a coma. People with TBIs are at a higher chance of developing depression and PTSD and other mental health issues. Research suggests that having several moderate to severe TBIs can increase the risk of developing dementia and movement disorders later on in life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after someone has suffered a trauma. It can be apparent immediately following the incident or a few years later. They could include memory problems difficulties sleeping and concentrating, feelings of anger and irritability, and being easily startled or jumpy. Certain people may suffer from depression or suicidal ideas. PTSD can cause issues at work, in relationships and at home. It can also cause dependence, which includes alcohol or drug.

The symptoms can be treated with psychotherapy, including eye movements desensitisation and processing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are beneficial to some sufferers of PTSD. Medications can help control the symptoms and make it easier to get through daily activities.

A few studies are looking at ways to stop PTSD and examining whether the brain or genes can affect the way a person reacts to trauma. Other researchers are looking into how a normal response to stress transforms into PTSD and how to treat it earlier.

If you suspect PTSD It is vital to speak with a doctor. It is essential to address issues that affect your everyday life, such as difficulties in relating to others, or feeling anger and frustrated. Self-help can be beneficial for people suffering from PTSD. They may benefit from talking about their experiences during therapy, or doing relaxation exercises such as deep breathing or a tempo-based exercise. They can also benefit by being able to share their fears with a trusted friend.

Depression

Depression can trigger feelings of despair or sadness. It can be treated through psychotherapy, which is the process of talking with an therapist about the issues that cause you stress. You could be prescribed medication to improve your mood. There are a variety of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy aids you to modify negative thoughts and behavior, while interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships. There are group therapy options that bring people with similar conditions together in a supportive atmosphere.

The lawsuit claims that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for decades by refusing disability claims in more than white veterans. It was filed on behalf of Conley Monk, a Vietnam War veteran who tried to obtain medical benefits as well as housing assistance and education benefits for more than 50 years. The suit is being filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which represented Monk in his successful attempt to reverse his less than honorable military discharge due to PTSD and other injuries.

The lawsuit asserts that racial discrimination in the military justice system affected the discharge status of Black service members and VA officials should have been aware of this when making decisions about disability compensation. The lawsuit cites a study which discovered that between 2001 and 2020, the average rate of denial for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5 percent, compared with 24.2% for white veterans disability law firm.