Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

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

However, obtaining these benefits is disproportionately difficult for Black veterans, as per a 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 they may be prone to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares or anxiety that are disturbing. The condition may cause people to avoid certain places or situations that bring back memories of the trauma. This can cause people to feel isolated and depressed. Counseling, medication and support from family members can combat PTSD.

A lawsuit that was filed by Black veterans and a Yale law clinic has found that the Department of Veterans Affairs has consistently denied disability compensation claims to Black veterans for a long time. NPR's Quil Lawrence says that a whistleblower revealed to the vets that VA internal documents revealed that Black veterans were denied benefits more often than their white counterparts.

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 and 2020, the percentage for Black veterans of disability claims was rejected at 29.5 percent, compared to 24.2% of white veterans.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for Monk and other Black veterans who were denied access to benefits. It also aims to force the VA to reconsider thousands of other claims that were dismissed in error. The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Wednesday.

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe and symptoms may be instantly apparent or they may develop hours or even weeks after the injury. Some of the symptoms are physical (headache dizziness, fatigue, and headache) while others can be associated with issues with memory focus, emotions, or behavior. TBI patients might also experience difficulty moving or with vision and balance.

TBIs can result from the occurrence of a TBI in the event that the brain has been injured by a bump or blow to the head. This can happen due to the force of a blunt blow or from a penetrating injury (such as the impact of a bullet). The impact can cause skull fracture that can result in bleeding and bleeding of the brain within the skull. The brain may expand and press against the skull, causing blood circulation. The injury may affect the whole 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 is fractured or not, and whether the skull was opened or closed due to the impact. TBIs can vary in severity, ranging from a concussion to an coma. People who have TBIs are at an increased chance of developing depression and PTSD, as well as other mental health problems. Some research suggests that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the risk of developing dementia and other movement disorders later in life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that occurs when a person experiences a trauma. The symptoms may manifest right after the incident or a few years later. They can include memory problems difficulties getting sleep and concentrating, feelings of anger and irritability and being easily frightened or jittery. There are some who suffer from depression or suicidal ideas. PTSD can create problems at work, at home, and in relationships. It can also lead alcohol or drug addiction.

The symptoms can be treated using psychotherapy, including eye movements desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Some people suffering from PTSD benefit by taking antidepressants, such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs. Medications can help to manage symptoms and aid in getting through everyday activities.

Some studies explore ways to avoid PTSD. This includes studying whether genes and the brain could affect 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 it can be treated early.

It is essential to consult a physician if you suffer from PTSD. It is important to address the symptoms that hinder your daily life such as difficulty getting along with others, or feeling annoyed and frustrated. Some people with PTSD can benefit from self-help techniques by talking about their experiences in therapy or utilizing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or doing a thumping exercise. They may also benefit from sharing their anxieties with a trusted friend.

Depression

Depression is an illness that can bring on feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It can be treated through psychotherapy, which involves talking with a therapist about the issues which are causing you issues. You could also be prescribed medication to help improve your mood. There are a variety of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists you change negative thoughts and behavior while interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships. There are group therapies which bring people with similar conditions together in a positive environment.

The lawsuit asserts that the VA has discriminated against Black veterans for a long time, by denying disability compensation claims at a higher percentage than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been battling to receive medical benefits including housing, education and housing 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 overturn his less-than-honorable discharge from the military because of PTSD and other injuries.

The lawsuit asserts that racial bias in the military justice system affected the discharge status of a number of Black service members and VA officials should have recognized this when making the decisions on disability compensation. It cites a study that found that between 2001 and 2020 the average rate of denial for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5%, compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans.