Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

For many veterans suffering from disabilities due to their military service, a veterans disability lawsuit might be the solution. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to those who served in the military, including medical care and specialty programs.

According to a lawsuit filed Monday, Black veterans have disproportionately having a harder time in obtaining these benefits. The suit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk Jr. by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic.

PTSD

If people suffer from trauma it may cause them to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms can include anxiety, nightmares or disturbing flashbacks. The condition can make an individual to avoid certain situations or places that remind them of their traumatic experience. This can cause depression and isolation. Counseling, medication and the support from family members can help to treat PTSD.

A new lawsuit brought jointly by Black veterans and the Yale law clinics revealed that the Department of veterans disability lawsuits Affairs denied disability compensation claims of Black veterans repeatedly over the course of decades. NPR's Quil Lawrence says that a whistleblower revealed to the veterans that VA internal documents revealed that Black veterans were denied benefits more often 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 between 2001 and 2020 the rejection rate for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, as compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans.

The lawsuit seeks to recover compensation for Monk and Black veterans who were wrongfully denied benefits. It also demands the VA to reconsider the thousands of other claims that were wrongly dismissed. The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court.

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI symptoms may be apparent immediately or manifest for Lawsuit days, hours or even weeks later. Some symptoms (headache dizziness, headache, fatigue) are physical, whereas others could be related to memory, concentration, emotion or behavior issues. TBI patients may also have difficulty moving or with vision and balance.

The brain injury due to a TBI can be caused by a bump, a blow or jolt on the head, or a blow that is a blunt force or penetrating wound (such as from a gun). The impact can result in a skull fracture, which could result in bleeding and bleeding of the brain within the skull. The brain may then swell, pushing against the skull and cutting off blood flow. The injury may occur in the entire brain or in the lobe in which it is located.

Some TBIs are classified as open and some are closed. The classification depends on whether the skull has been fractured or not and on whether the skull was closed or opened due to the impact. TBIs differ in severity, ranging from concussions up to coma. People with TBIs have a higher likelihood of developing depression and PTSD, as well as other mental health conditions. Certain studies suggest that having a number of moderate to severe TBIs can increase the risk of developing dementia and other movement disorders later in life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after someone has suffered a trauma. Symptoms may appear immediately after the event or even years after. They can include memory problems as well as difficulty with concentration and sleep, a feeling of anger and irritability and being easily frightened or jumpy. Some people may experience depression or suicidal. PTSD can cause problems at work, home and in relationships. It can also cause addiction, including alcohol or drugs.

Psychotherapy can help treat symptoms, like eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants, such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can be beneficial for those suffering from PTSD. Medications can help to manage symptoms and aid in getting through everyday tasks.

Some research is investigating ways to prevent PTSD by examining whether genes or the brain can affect a person's response to a trauma. Others are exploring how a normal stress response changes into PTSD and how to treat it earlier.

It is vital to see a doctor if you have PTSD. Any symptoms that impact your daily life, such as trouble getting along with people around you or feeling angry and annoyed should be addressed immediately. Certain people with PTSD can benefit from self-help techniques, such as talking about their experiences during therapy or utilizing relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or exercise. They also benefit from being able to share their fears with a trusted friend.

Depression

Depression can lead to feelings of despair or sadness. It can be treated through psychotherapy, which involves talking with an therapist about the issues that are causing you problems. You could be prescribed medication to improve your mood. There are a variety of types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which aids you change negative thoughts and behaviors, and interpersonal therapy, which is focused on your relationships. There are group therapy options that bring people who have similar issues together in a calming and supportive environment.

The lawsuit alleges that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for a long time, declining disability claims in a higher percentage than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been battling to receive medical benefits as well as housing and education benefits for more than 50 years. The lawsuit is being handled by Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented in his successful bid to reverse his less-than honorable discharge from the military because of PTSD and lawsuit other injuries.

The lawsuit claims that racial discrimination within the military justice system affected 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 research study that discovered that between 2001 and the year 2020, the average denial rate for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5 percent, compared to 24.2% for white veterans.