veterans disability lawsuit (
click for info) - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit
A veterans disability lawsuit could be the answer for a lot of veterans suffering from disabilities resulting from their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, such as medical care and programs for veterans.
According to a lawsuit filed on Monday, Black veterans have disproportionately having a harder time obtaining these benefits. The suit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk Jr. by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic.
PTSD
PTSD symptoms can arise when people are traumatized. These symptoms could include flashbacks, nightmares, or anxiety that cause anxiety. The condition may also cause someone to avoid certain places or situations that trigger the traumatic event. This could lead to depression and isolation. Counseling, medication and support from family members can in treating PTSD.
A new lawsuit brought 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 veterans for years. NPR's Quil Lawrence reports that a whistleblower told the vets that VA internal documents show Black veterans were denied benefits more frequently than their white counterparts.
The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit refers to statistics that show that between 2001 and 2020, the rate for Black veterans with disability claims was rejected at 29.5 percent, as compared to 24.2% of white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damage for Monk and Black veterans who were wrongfully denied benefits. It also aims to force the VA to reconsider the claims of thousands of other veterans who were wrongly dismissed. The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI can be mild, moderate or severe and symptoms may become visible or they may appear within a few hours or even weeks after the injury. Some signs (headache dizziness, headache, fatigue) are physical, whereas others could be related to memory, concentration, emotion or behavior issues. People suffering from TBI TBI may also experience difficulty getting around or with balance and vision.
The brain's damage caused by a TBI can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt on the head, regardless of whether it was caused by a sharp force or penetrating wound (such as from a shot). The impact could cause skull fracture, which could lead to bleeding and bruises of the brain inside the skull. The brain could then swell and push against the skull and reducing blood flow. The injury could affect the whole 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 whether the skull was closed or opened due to the impact. TBIs can differ in severity from a concussion all the way to a coma. People who suffer from TBIs are at an increased chance of developing depression and PTSD and other mental health conditions. A few studies suggest that having a number of moderate to severe TBIs could increase the risk of dementia and movement disorders later on in life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, develops after people suffer a trauma. The symptoms can manifest at the time that the event is over, or years later. Memory problems, difficulties getting sleep and concentrating, or feelings of anger or irritability as well as being easily startled are some of the symptoms. There are some who have suicidal or depression-related thoughts. Stress can cause issues at work, in relationships and at home. It can also trigger alcohol or drug addiction.
Psychotherapy can help treat symptoms, like eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants, such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are beneficial for those suffering from PTSD. The medication helps to manage symptoms and make everyday activities easier.
Some research is investigating ways to stop PTSD and examining whether the brain or genes can influence a person's response to a trauma. Researchers are studying how a normal response to stress can turn into PTSD and how to treat it early.
It is important to see a physician if you suffer from PTSD. The symptoms that hinder your daily life, such as difficulty relating to others, or feeling angry or angry need to be addressed immediately. Certain people with PTSD benefit from self-help which includes talking about their experiences in therapy or utilizing relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or doing a thumping exercise. They can also benefit from sharing their fears with a person they trust.
Depression
Depression can bring feelings of sadness or hopelessness. It can be treated using psychotherapy, which involves speaking with an 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 modify negative thoughts and behavior while interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships. There are also group therapies that bring patients with similar conditions together in a calming and supportive environment.
The lawsuit asserts that the VA has discriminated against Black veterans for a long time, by rejecting disability compensation claims at a higher rate than white veterans. It was filed on behalf of Conley Monk who was a Vietnam War veteran who tried to get medical benefits including housing assistance, education and 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 fight to reverse his less-than honorable military discharge due to PTSD and other injuries.
The lawsuit asserts that racial discrimination in the military justice system affected the discharge status of Black service members and VA officials should have been aware of this when deciding on disability compensation. It cites a study that discovered that between 2001 and 2020, the average denial rate for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5 percent, compared to 24.2 percent for white
veterans disability lawyers.