Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

For a lot of veterans suffering from disabilities resulting from their military service, a disability lawsuit may be the answer. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, including medical treatment and special programs.

However, getting those benefits is particularly difficult for Black veterans, according to a new 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 people are traumatized. It can manifest as panic, nightmares, flashbacks or other symptoms that are disturbing. The condition may cause people to avoid certain locations or situations that bring back memories of the trauma. This can cause isolation and depression. The good news is that PTSD can be treated with the help of counseling, medication and support from loved ones.

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 a long 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 their white counterparts.

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

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for Monk and other Black veterans who were denied benefits. It is also seeking to force the VA to reassess thousands of other claims that were dismissed in error. The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court.

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI symptoms can be acute or appear for days, hours or even weeks later. There are physical symptoms (headache fatigue, dizziness and headache) while others can be associated with issues with memory and concentration, as well as emotional behavior. People with TBI TBI may also have trouble getting around or having balance issues and vision.

The brain damage due to a TBI can be caused by a bump, a blow or jolt on 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 and push against the skull and reducing blood flow. The injury may occur in the entire brain, or only one lobe.

Some TBIs can be classified as closed, and others as open. The classification is based on whether the skull was fractured or not, and whether the skull was closed or opened due to the impact. TBIs can vary in severity ranging from a concussion up to a an coma. People who suffer from TBIs have a higher likelihood of developing depression and PTSD as well as other mental health problems. Certain studies suggest that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs may increase the risk of developing dementia and other movement disorders in later life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that occurs when a person experiences a trauma. Symptoms may appear immediately after the event or years later. They may include memory problems difficulties getting sleep and concentrating, feelings of anger and irritability, and being easily startled or jittery. Certain people may be depressed or suicidal. PTSD can cause problems at work, in relationships and at home. It can also cause addiction, including alcohol or drug.

It is possible to treat symptoms with psychotherapy, including eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Certain people suffering from PTSD benefit from taking antidepressants, for example as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. Medications can help to manage symptoms and help people get through everyday tasks.

A few studies are looking at ways to prevent PTSD. This includes studying whether genes and the brain may influence the way a person reacts to trauma. Other researchers are looking into the ways in which a normal stress response transforms into PTSD and how to treat it early.

It is crucial to visit a doctor if you have PTSD. symptoms that affect your daily life, lawyer such as trouble getting along with other people or feeling angry and upset should be addressed immediately. Some people with PTSD can benefit from self-help techniques like talking about their experiences in therapy or practicing methods of relaxation, such as deep breathing or doing a thumping exercise. They may also benefit from being able to talk about their anxieties with someone they trust.

Depression

Depression is an illness that can bring on feelings of despair and sadness. Psychotherapy is one option to treat depression. This involves talking with an expert about the issues you are experiencing. You may also be prescribed medication to help improve your mood. There are several different types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists to change negative thoughts and behaviors, and interpersonal therapy, which is focused on your relationship. There are also group therapies that bring people with similar conditions together in a supportive environment.

The lawsuit alleges that the VA discriminated against Black veterans for decades by refusing disability claims in an increased rate than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been trying to obtain medical benefits, housing benefits and education benefits for over 50 years. The lawsuit is being handled 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 says 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 they made disability compensation decisions. The lawsuit cites a study which found that between 2001 and the year 2020, the average denial rate for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5 percent, as compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans.