Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

For many veterans who suffer from disabilities caused by their military service, a veterans disability lawsuit might be the answer. 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 particularly difficult for Black veterans, according to a new lawsuit filed Monday. The suit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk Jr. by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic.

PTSD

When someone is traumatized it may cause them to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, or anxiety that cause anxiety. This condition can make a person avoid places or situations that trigger memories of their traumatic experience. This can cause individuals to feel isolated and depressed. The good news is that PTSD can be managed with counseling and medication, as well as support from family members.

A lawsuit that was filed jointly by Black veterans and Yale law clinic found that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims for Black veterans repeatedly over the course of decades. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower notified the vets 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. It cites data showing that from 2001 to 2020, the rejection rate for Black disability claims was 29.5%, compared to 24.2% for white veterans.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for Monk and Black veterans who were wrongfully denied benefits. The lawsuit also seeks to make VA to review tens of thousands of other claims that were wrongly denied. The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court.

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI symptoms can be present immediately or appear for days, hours or even weeks later. Certain symptoms (headache dizziness, headache, fatigue) are physical, while others may include emotional, memory, concentration or behavioral issues. TBI patients may also experience trouble moving or having problems with balance and vision.

TBIs can be caused by a TBI in the event that the brain has been damaged by a blow or bump to the head. It can be caused by a blunt force, or a penetrating trauma (such as the impact of a bullet). The impact can cause the skull to fracture which can cause bleeding and bruising of the brain within the skull. The brain may expand and press against the skull, causing blood circulation. The injury can occur in the entire brain or the lobe in which it is located.

Some TBIs are classified as open and some are closed. The classification is based on whether the skull has been fractured or not and whether the skull was opened or closed due to the impact. TBIs range in severity, ranging from concussions all the way to coma. People who suffer from TBIs are at a higher likelihood of developing depression and PTSD, as well as other mental health problems. Research suggests that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the chance of developing dementia and movement problems in later years.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that occurs when a person experiences a trauma. Symptoms may appear immediately after the event, or may develop years later. Memory issues, trouble sleep and concentration, feelings of anger or irritability as well as being easily startled are some 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 lead to addiction, including alcohol or other drugs.

Psychotherapy can treat symptoms such as eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Some people with PTSD benefit from taking antidepressants, for example as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs. Medications can help control the symptoms and make it easier to get through daily activities.

A few studies are looking at ways to prevent PTSD, including looking at whether the brain or genes can affect a person's response to trauma. Researchers are studying the ways in which a normal response to stress may turn into PTSD, and how to treat it early.

It is essential to consult your doctor if you suffer from PTSD. It is crucial to address the symptoms that hinder your daily routine, like difficulty in getting along with other people, or feeling angry and frustrated. Self-help is a great option for those suffering from PTSD. They may benefit from talking about their experiences in therapy or engaging in relaxation exercises like deep breathing and a rhythmic exercise. They can also benefit by being able to discuss their fears with a person they trust.

Depression

Depression can bring feelings of despair or sadness. It can be treated through psychotherapy, which involves speaking with an experienced therapist about the issues that cause you stress. You could be prescribed medication to improve your mood. There are many types of psychotherapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists you overcome negative attitudes and behaviors, and interpersonal therapy, which concentrates on your relationships. There are group therapies that bring people suffering from similar ailments together in a calming and supportive environment.

The lawsuit claims that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for a long time by refusing disability claims in more than white veterans. It was filed on behalf of Conley Monk who is who is a Vietnam War veteran who tried to obtain medical benefits as well as housing assistance and education benefits for more than 50 years. The suit was 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 impacted the discharge status of Black service members and VA officials should have been aware of this when making decisions about disability compensation. It cites a study that found that between 2001 and the year 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 avon park veterans disability attorney.