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 resulting from their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, such as medical care and special programs.

However, getting those benefits is particularly difficult for Black veterans, according to a new lawsuit filed on Monday. The suit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk Jr. by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic.

PTSD

PTSD symptoms can develop when people are traumatized. These symptoms could include panic, nightmares, flashbacks or other symptoms that cause anxiety. The condition can cause people to avoid certain locations or situations that trigger the traumatic event. This can cause a sense of depression and isolation. Counseling, medication and support from family members can help combat PTSD.

A new lawsuit brought by Black veterans and a Yale law clinic has found that the Department of Veterans Affairs has repeatedly denied disability compensation claims to Black veterans for decades. NPR's Quil Lawrence claims that a whistleblower has told the veterans that VA internal documents revealed that Black veterans were more often denied benefits than their white counterparts.

The lawsuit was brought by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley Monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites research that indicates that between 2001 and 2020 the rate of rejection for Black disability claims was 29.5%, compared to 24.2% for 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 oblige VA to review tens of thousands of other claims that were incorrectly denied. The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Wednesday.

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI symptoms can be acute or develop hours, days or even weeks later. Certain symptoms are physical (headache fatigue, dizziness and headache) while others include problems with memory and concentration, as well as emotional behavior. People suffering from TBI may experience problems with their emotions, concentration, or even behavior. TBI may also experience difficulty getting around or with balance and vision.

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 cut (such as from a bullet). The impact can cause the skull to fracture, causing bruising and bleeding of the brain within the skull. The brain can then expand and push against the skull and reducing blood flow. 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 depends on whether the skull is fractured or not, and whether the skull was opened or closed by the impact. TBIs can vary in severity, ranging from concussion to an coma. People with TBI are at increased risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health issues. Certain studies suggest that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs may increase the risk of developing dementia and other movement disorders later in life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD is the result of having to experience a trauma. The symptoms can start at the time that the event is over or a few years later. They may include memory problems trouble getting sleep and concentrating, feelings of anger and irritability and being easily shocked or jumpy. People may experience depression or suicidal. PTSD can cause issues at work, with relationships, and at home. It can also cause alcohol or drug dependence.

The symptoms can be treated with psychotherapy, such as eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants, such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are beneficial for people suffering from PTSD. The medications help manage symptoms and make daily activities easier.

Certain studies examine ways to avoid PTSD. This includes examining how the brain and genes affect a person's response to trauma. Researchers are studying the ways in which a normal response to stress can develop into PTSD, and how it can be treated early.

It is crucial to visit a doctor if you have PTSD. Symptoms that interfere with everyday life, like trouble getting along with others, or feeling angry or irritable need to be addressed immediately. Self-help is a great option for people suffering from PTSD. They may benefit from sharing their experiences in therapy or engaging in relaxation exercises like deep breathing and rhythmic exercises. They may also benefit from sharing their fears with a person they trust.

Depression

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

The lawsuit claims that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for a long time by declining disability claims in more than white veterans. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk who is an Vietnam War veteran who tried to access medical benefits as well as housing assistance and education benefits for over 50 years. The lawsuit is being filed by Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented in his successful attempt to rescind his unhonorable military discharge due to PTSD and other injuries.

The lawsuit claims that racial discrimination within the military justice system affected 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 found that between 2001 and 2020 the average denial rate of Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29,5%, as opposed to 24,2 percent for white veterans.