Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

A lawsuit involving veterans' disabilities could be the solution for a lot of veterans suffering from disabilities due to their military service. The Department of veterans disability lawyers Affairs provides benefits to those who served in the military, including medical treatment and specialty programs.

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

PTSD

When someone is traumatized, it can cause them to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can manifest as flashbacks, nightmares or anxiety that are disturbing. The condition may also cause a person to avoid certain places or situations that remind them of the trauma. This can cause a sense of isolation and depression. The good news is that PTSD can be treated with the help of counseling, medication, and support from family members.

A new lawsuit filed jointly by Black veterans and the Yale law clinics revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims for Black veterans consistently over the course of decades. NPR's Quil Lawrence reports that a whistleblower told the vets that VA internal documents reveal that Black veterans were more often denied benefits than white veterans.

The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites data that show that between 2001 between 2001 and 2020, the average rate for Black veterans of disability claims was rejected at 29.5% compared to only 24.2% of white veterans.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for Monk and Black Veterans Disability Lawyers who were wrongfully denied benefits. It also demands the VA to review the claims of thousands of other veterans who were wrongly dismissed. 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. Certain symptoms (headache dizziness, fatigue, headache) are physical, whereas others can include emotional, memory, concentration or behavioral issues. People suffering from a TBI might also have trouble moving around or with balance and vision.

The brain damage caused by a TBI can be caused by a blow, bump or jolt to the head whether from a blunt force or penetrating cut (such as from a bullet). The impact could cause the skull to fracture which causes bleeding and bruising of the brain inside the skull. The brain can then expand and push against the skull and cutting off blood flow. The injury can affect the entire brain, or a particular lobe of the brain.

Certain TBIs can be classified as closed and others as open. The classification depends on whether the skull was fractured or not and whether the skull was closed or opened by the impact. TBIs can differ in severity from a concussion to being in a coma. Patients with TBIs are at an increased chance of developing depression and PTSD, as well as other mental health conditions. Research suggests that having a variety of moderate to severe TBIs can increase the risk of dementia and other movement disorders later in life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD develops when people undergo a trauma. The symptoms can manifest immediately after the event has ended or a few years later. Memory problems, difficulties sleep and concentration, feelings of anger or irritability as well as being easily shocked are some of the signs. Some people may experience depression or suicidal thoughts. Stress can cause issues at work, with relationships, and at home. It can also lead to addiction, such as alcohol or other drugs.

It is possible to treat symptoms with psychotherapy, including eye movement desensitisation and processing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants like selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are beneficial for those suffering from PTSD. These medications can help control symptoms and make everyday activities more enjoyable.

A few studies are looking at ways to avoid PTSD. This includes looking at whether the brain and genes affect a person's response to a trauma. Researchers are studying how a normal response to stress can develop into PTSD, and how to treat it early.

It is important to see a physician if you suffer from PTSD. Any symptoms that impact your daily life, such as difficulties in relating with people around you or feeling angry and annoyed should be addressed immediately. Self-help is a great option for people suffering from PTSD. They could benefit from talking about their experiences in therapy, or engaging in relaxation exercises like deep breathing and rhythmic exercise. They also benefit from being able to talk about their anxieties with someone they trust.

Here are some of the methods to lower your risk of contracting a disease:

Depression can bring feelings of sadness or hopelessness. It can be treated with psychotherapy, which involves speaking with an experienced therapist about the issues that cause you stress. You could also be prescribed medication to help improve your mood. There are a variety of types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, which aids to change negative attitudes and behaviors and interpersonal therapy which is focused on your relationship. There are group therapies which bring people suffering from similar conditions together in a positive environment.

The lawsuit claims that the VA discriminated against Black veterans for decades by refusing disability claims at a higher percentage than white veterans. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk, a Vietnam War veteran who tried to gain access to medical benefits including housing assistance, education and benefits for the past 50 years. The lawsuit is being filed by Yale Law School's veterans disability lawyer Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented in his successful bid to rescind his unhonorable discharge from the military 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 number of Black service members and VA officials should have known this when they made the decisions on disability compensation. It cites a study that found that between 2001 and 2020, the average denial rate for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5%, compared to 24.2% for white veterans.