Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

For a lot of veterans suffering from disabilities resulting from their military service, a veterans disability lawsuit may be the answer. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to those who have been 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

When people experience trauma they may be prone to develop symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms include anxiety, nightmares or disturbing flashbacks. The condition can make a person avoid places or situations which bring back memories of their trauma experience. This can lead people to feel depressed and depressed. 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 repeatedly denied disability compensation claims to Black veterans for years. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower revealed to 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 rate of rejection for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, compared with 24.2 percent for white veterans.

The lawsuit seeks damages for compensation for Monk and disability other Black veterans who were unfairly denied access to benefits. It is also seeking 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 apparent or they may develop in the hours or even weeks following the injury. Certain symptoms (headache dizziness, headache) are physical, while others may be related to emotional, memory, concentration or behavior issues. People suffering from a TBI might also have difficulty moving around or with balance and vision.

The brain's damage from a TBI can be caused by a blow, bump or jolt to the head, regardless of whether it was caused by a sharp force or penetrating wound (such as from a bullet). The impact could cause the skull to fracture, causing bruising and bleeding of the brain within the skull. The brain may expand and press against the skull, causing blood circulation. The injury may occur in the entire brain or just the lobe in which it is located.

Some TBIs are classified as open, while others are closed. The classification is based on whether the skull was fractured or not, and whether the skull was opened or closed by the impact. TBIs vary in severity, from concussions all the way to fatal coma. People who suffer from TBI are more at risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health issues. Some research suggests that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the risk of developing dementia and movement problems in later years.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that occurs when someone has suffered a trauma. The symptoms can begin as soon as the event ends or even years later. They could include memory problems as well as difficulty in concentrating and sleeping, feelings of anger and irritability, and being easily scared or jittery. There are some who suffer from depression or suicidal ideas. PTSD can cause issues at home, work, and even in relationships. It can also lead to alcohol or drug addiction.

It is possible to treat symptoms with psychotherapy, including eye movement desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants, such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can be beneficial for those suffering from PTSD. These medications can help control symptoms and make daily activities easier.

Some research is exploring how to prevent PTSD, including looking at the possibility that genes or the brain may affect a person's reaction to a trauma. Other studies are looking at how a normal response to stress changes into PTSD and how to treat it early.

If you suspect PTSD, it is important to speak with a doctor. Any symptoms that impact your daily life, such as difficulties in relating with others, or feeling angry or annoyed, should be addressed promptly. Self-help can be beneficial for people suffering from PTSD. They could benefit from talking about their experiences during therapy, or performing relaxation exercises such as deep breathing and rhythmic exercises. They can also benefit by being able share their fears with a trusted individual.

The following are the ways to decrease your risk of contracting a disease:

Depression is a condition that can cause feelings of sadness and despair. Psychotherapy is a method to treat depression. It involves speaking with a professional about the problems you're experiencing. You may be prescribed medication to improve your mood. There are a variety of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors, while interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships. There are group therapies which bring people suffering from similar ailments together in a positive environment.

The lawsuit asserts that the VA has discriminated against Black veterans for a long time, by disproportionately rejecting disability compensation claims at a higher percentage than white veterans. It was filed on behalf of Conley Monk who was who is a Vietnam War veteran who tried to gain access to medical benefits such as housing aid and education benefits for the past 50 years. The suit is being filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which represented Monk in his successful bid 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 known this prior to making decisions regarding disability compensation. It cites a study that discovered that between 2001 and 2020 the average denial rate for Black veterans disability lawsuits who applied for disability compensation was 29.5 percent, as compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans.