Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a
Veterans Disability Lawsuit
A
veterans disability lawsuit could be a solution for many veterans suffering from disabilities as a result of their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to those who been in the military, including medical care and special programs.
However, obtaining those benefits is a lot more difficult for Black veterans, according to a lawsuit filed on Monday. The Yale Law School Veterans Legal Services Clinic filed the suit on behalf of Conley M. Monk Jr.
PTSD
PTSD symptoms can develop when people are traumatized. Symptoms may include panic, nightmares, flashbacks or other symptoms that cause anxiety. This disorder can make an individual to avoid certain places or situations which remind them of their traumatic experience. This can lead people to feel lonely and depressed. Counseling, medication and the support from family members can help combat PTSD.
A new lawsuit brought jointly by Black veterans and the Yale law clinics has revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims of Black vets systematically over decades. NPR's Quil Lawrence says that a whistleblower revealed to the veterans that VA internal documents revealed 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. It cites data showing that from 2001 to, the rate of rejection for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for Monk and Black
veterans disability attorneys who were denied benefits unfairly. The lawsuit also seeks to for the VA to review tens or thousands of claims that were incorrectly denied. The lawsuit was filed in federal court earlier this week.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe and symptoms may be instantly apparent or may develop within a few hours or even weeks after the injury. Some signs (headache, dizziness, fatigue) are physical, while others may include memory, concentration, emotion or behavior problems. TBI patients may also experience trouble moving or having problems with vision and balance.
The brain's damage caused by a TBI can be caused by a bump, a blow or jolt to the head, regardless of whether it was caused by a sharp force or penetrating cut (such as a bullet). The impact can cause the skull to break which causes bleeding and bruising of the brain inside the skull. The brain could then swell pushing against the skull and reducing blood flow. The injury could affect the entire brain, or a specific lobe of the brain.
Some TBIs are classified as open and some are closed. The classification depends on whether the skull was fractured or not, and whether the skull was closed or opened due to the impact. TBIs can range in severity from a concussion up to a the coma. People with TBI are at increased risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions. Research suggests that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the risk of developing dementia and other movement issues in later life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when the victim experiences trauma. It can be apparent immediately following the event, or may develop years later. Memory issues, trouble concentrating and sleeping, feelings of anger or irritability as well as being easily scared are a few of the symptoms. Certain people may be depressed or have suicidal thoughts. Stress can cause issues at work, in relationships, and at home. It can also cause alcohol or drug addiction.
Psychotherapy can help treat symptoms, such as eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants like selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are beneficial for those suffering from PTSD. Medications can help to manage symptoms and help people get through everyday activities.
Some research is investigating ways to stop PTSD, including looking at whether genes or the brain can influence a person's response to trauma. Other studies are looking at the ways in which a normal stress response develops into PTSD and how to treat it earlier.
If you suspect PTSD It is essential to consult a doctor. symptoms that affect your everyday life, like trouble getting along with others, or feeling angry or irritable, should be addressed promptly. Self-help may be helpful for people suffering from PTSD. They may benefit from talking about their experiences during therapy, or doing relaxation exercises such as deep breathing and rhythmic exercise. They can also benefit from being able to share their fears with a person they trust.
Depression
Depression can trigger feelings of despair or sadness. It can be treated with psychotherapy, which involves speaking with an experienced therapist about the issues that cause you stress. You may also be prescribed medication to help improve your mood. There are many different kinds of psychotherapy. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy, which aids you overcome negative attitudes and behaviors as well as interpersonal therapy, which is focused on your relationship. There are group therapy options that bring people suffering from similar ailments together in a calming and supportive environment.
The lawsuit alleges that the VA discriminated against Black veterans for decades by refusing disability claims in 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 over 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 prejudice in the justice system for military personnel impacted the discharge status of many Black service members and VA officials should have known this when making decision-making regarding disability compensation. The lawsuit cites a study that found that between 2001 and 2020 the average denial rate for Black veterans who applied to receive disability compensation was 29,5%, in contrast to 24,2% for white veterans.