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, such as medical treatment and special programs.

According to a lawsuit filed on Monday, Black veterans have disproportionately more difficulty getting these benefits. The suit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk Jr. by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic.

PTSD

If someone experiences trauma it can lead them to develop symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms include nightmares, anxiety or frightening flashbacks. The condition may also cause someone 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 counseling, medication and support from family members.

A new lawsuit filed by Black veterans and a Yale law clinic has found that the Department of Veterans Affairs has been systematically denying disability compensation claims to Black vets for decades. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower revealed to the veterans that VA documents revealed that Black veterans were denied benefits at a higher rate than white veterans disability law firm.

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 between 2001 and 2020, the average rate for Black veterans of disability claims was rejected at 29.5 percent, as compared to 24.2 percent of white veterans.

The lawsuit seeks damages for compensation for Monk and other Black veterans who were unfairly denied access to benefits. The lawsuit also seeks to make VA to reassess tens of thousands of other claims that were incorrectly denied. The lawsuit was filed in federal court earlier this week.

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI symptoms can be acute or manifest for days, hours or even weeks later. There are physical symptoms (headache, fatigue and dizziness) and others are related to problems with memory focus, emotions, or behavior. TBI patients may also have difficulty moving or with vision and balance.

The brain damage due to a TBI can be caused by a blow, bump or jolt to the head whether from a blunt force or penetrating wound (such as from a shot). The impact may cause the skull fracture, which may cause bleeding and bruising of the brain within the skull. The brain could then swell and push against the skull and cutting off blood flow. The injury can affect the whole brain or a specific lobe of the brain.

Some TBIs are classified as open while others are closed. The classification is based on whether the skull has been fractured or not, and whether the skull was opened or closed by the impact. TBIs vary in severity, from a concussion up to a fatal coma. Patients with TBIs are more at risk chance of developing depression and PTSD, as well as other mental health issues. Research suggests that having a number 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, or PTSD, develops after people experience a trauma. It can be apparent immediately following the event, or may develop years later. Memory problems, difficulties sleep and concentration, feelings of anger or irritability and being easily shocked are some of the signs. Some people might be depressed or have suicidal thoughts. PTSD can cause problems at workplace, in relationships and at home. It can also cause addiction, including alcohol or other drugs.

The symptoms can be treated using psychotherapy, including eye movements desensitisation and processing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Certain people suffering from PTSD benefit from taking antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. Medications help to control symptoms and make daily activities more enjoyable.

Some studies explore ways to avoid PTSD. This involves examining whether genes and the brain can influence the way a person reacts to a trauma. Others are exploring how a normal response to stress develops into PTSD and how to treat it in the early stages.

If you suspect PTSD If you suspect PTSD, it is crucial to speak with a doctor. It is essential to deal with issues that affect your everyday life, such as difficulty relating to others, or feeling annoyed and frustrated. Self-help can be helpful for people suffering from PTSD. They could benefit from talking about their experiences in therapy, or practicing relaxation exercises like deep breathing and a rhythmic exercise. They may also benefit from sharing their fears with a trusted friend.

Depression

Depression is an illness that can bring on feelings of sadness and despair. It can be treated using psychotherapy, which involves speaking with a therapist about the issues that are causing you problems. You may also be prescribed medication to improve your mood. There are a variety of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you change your negative thoughts and behaviors while interpersonal therapy is focused on relationships. There are group therapies that bring people with similar conditions together in a positive environment.

The lawsuit alleges that the VA discriminated against Black veterans for decades by rejecting disability claims at an increased rate 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 over 50 years. The suit is being filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which represented Monk in his successful effort to rescind his less-than-honorable discharge due to PTSD and other injuries.

The lawsuit asserts that racial discrimination in the military justice system impacted the discharge status of Black service members and VA officials should have known this prior to making decisions regarding disability compensation. The lawsuit cites a study which discovered 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.