Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit
For many veterans who suffer from disabilities caused by their military service, a disability lawsuit might be the answer. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, such as medical care and programs for
veterans disability attorneys.
According to a lawsuit filed Monday, Black veterans have disproportionately more trouble getting these benefits. The Yale Law School Veterans Legal Services Clinic filed the suit on behalf of Conley M. Monk Jr.
PTSD
PTSD symptoms can arise when someone is traumatized. The symptoms include nightmares, anxiety or disturbing flashbacks. The condition may cause people to avoid certain locations or situations that trigger the traumatic event. This can lead individuals to feel isolated and depressed. The good news is that PTSD can be managed with counseling, medication and support from family members.
A lawsuit that was filed jointly by Black
veterans disability Lawyer and Yale law clinic found that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims for Black veterans consistently over the course of decades. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower told the veterans that VA documents showed that Black veterans were denied benefits at a higher rate than their white counterparts.
The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites research that indicates that from 2001 until 2020, the rejection rate for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for Monk and other Black veterans who were unfairly denied access to benefits. It also aims 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 immediate or appear for days, hours or even weeks later. Certain symptoms are physical (headache fatigue, dizziness and headache) while others include problems with memory focus, emotions, or behavior. TBI patients might also experience difficulty moving or with vision and balance.
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 shooting). The impact can result in a skull fracture, which may lead to bleeding and swelling of the brain within the skull. The brain may expand and press against the skull, cutting off blood circulation. The injury may affect the entire brain or a specific area of the brain.
Some TBIs are classified as open, while others are closed. The classification is based on whether the skull is fractured or not and on whether the skull was opened or closed due to the impact. TBIs can vary in severity, ranging from concussion to an coma. People suffering from TBI are more at risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health issues. Some research suggests that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the risk of developing dementia and other movement disorders in later life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when a person experiences a trauma. Symptoms can start at the time that the event has ended and continue for a long time. They can include memory problems, difficulty getting sleep and concentrating, feelings of anger and irritability, and being easily frightened or jittery. Some people may be depressed or have suicidal thoughts. PTSD can cause issues at work, with relationships, and at home. It can also cause alcohol or drug addiction.
The symptoms can be treated with psychotherapy, such as eye movement desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Some people suffering from PTSD benefit from taking antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. These medications can help reduce symptoms and help people get through daily activities.
Some studies explore ways to avoid PTSD. This involves examining whether genes and the brain could influence the way a person reacts to a trauma. Researchers are looking into how a normal reaction to stress can turn into PTSD and how it can be treated early.
If you suspect PTSD It is vital to seek out a medical professional. Symptoms that interfere with everyday life, like trouble getting along with other people or feeling angry and irritable must be addressed quickly. Self-help can be helpful for those suffering from PTSD. They could benefit from discussing their experiences during therapy or practicing relaxation exercises like deep breathing and rhythmic exercises. They also benefit from being able share their fears with a trusted friend.
Depression
Depression can trigger feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Psychotherapy is one option to treat depression. It involves speaking with a professional about the problems you're experiencing. It could also involve medications that can help boost your mood. There are numerous types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists you alter negative thoughts and behaviors and focuses on relationships. There are also group therapies that bring people suffering from similar conditions together in a supportive setting.
The lawsuit alleges that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for a long time by refusing disability claims in a higher percentage than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been trying to obtain medical benefits in the form of housing, educational and medical 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 bid to rescind his less-than-honorable discharge due to PTSD and other injuries.
The lawsuit claims that racial discrimination in the military justice system impacted the discharge status of Black service members, and that VA officials should have known this prior to making decisions regarding 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, as compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans.