Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

A lawsuit for veterans' disability could be the solution for many veterans suffering from disabilities as a result of their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to those who have been in the military, including medical care and special programs.

However, obtaining those benefits isn't easy 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 people experience trauma, it can cause them to develop symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms can include anxiety, nightmares, or frightening flashbacks. This condition can cause people to avoid places or situations which trigger memories of their traumatic experience. This can cause people to feel isolated and depressed. Counseling, medication and support from family members can help to treat PTSD.

A new lawsuit filed jointly by Black veterans and Yale law clinics revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims of Black vets systematically over decades. NPR's Quil Lawrence claims that a whistleblower has told the vets that VA internal documents reveal that Black veterans were denied benefits more frequently than white veterans.

The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley Monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites research that indicates that from 2001 until 2020, the rejection rate for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, compared to 24.2% for white veterans.

The lawsuit seeks to recover compensation for Monk and Black veterans who were unfairly denied benefits. It also demands the VA to review the claims of thousands of other veterans disability lawyers who were dismissed in error. The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court.

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI can be mild, moderate or even severe and symptoms can be immediately visible or they may appear days or weeks after the injury. Certain symptoms are physical (headache, fatigue and dizziness) while others may be related to issues with memory and concentration, as well as emotional behavior. People suffering from a TBI may also have trouble getting around or with balance and vision.

TBIs can be caused by the occurrence of a TBI if the brain is damaged by a blow or bump to the head. This can occur from a blunt force, or from a penetrating injury (such as a bullet). The impact may cause the skull fracture, which can result in bleeding and bruises of the brain inside the skull. The brain can expand and push against the skull, cutting off blood circulation. The injury can occur in the entire brain or just a specific lobe.

Some TBIs are classified as open and some are closed. The classification is based on whether the skull is fractured or not and whether the skull was opened or closed by the impact. TBIs are a variety of severity, ranging from concussions to coma. People who have TBIs are at a higher chance of developing depression and PTSD, as well as other mental health conditions. Research suggests that having a variety 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 when people experience a trauma. Symptoms can start when the event is over or a few years later. Memory problems, difficulty concentrating and sleeping, feelings of anger or irritability and being easily startled are some of the signs. Some people may experience depression or suicidal. PTSD can cause issues at work, in relationships and at home. It can also lead alcohol or drug dependence.

Psychotherapy can treat symptoms such as eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Some sufferers of PTSD benefit from taking antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs. Medications can help control the symptoms and aid in getting through everyday tasks.

A few studies are looking at ways to stop PTSD as well as examining whether the brain or genes can influence a person's response to a trauma. Others are investigating how a normal stress response transforms into PTSD and how to treat it in the early stages.

It is essential to consult a physician if you suffer from PTSD. Any symptoms that impact your everyday life, like difficulties in relating with others or feeling angry and annoyed should be addressed immediately. Certain people suffering from PTSD have the benefit of self-help like talking about their experiences in therapy or utilizing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or a rhythmic exercise. They may also benefit from sharing their anxieties with a trusted individual.

The following are the ways to decrease the risk of developing a rash:

Depression can bring feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Psychotherapy is a method to combat depression. This involves talking to an expert about the issues you're experiencing. It may also include medication, which can lift your mood. There are many different types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy aids you modify negative thoughts and behavior while interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships. There are also group therapies that bring people suffering from the same problem together in a supportive setting.

The lawsuit claims that the VA discriminated against Black veterans for decades by declining disability claims in greater percentages than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been fighting for medical benefits including housing, education and housing 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 effort to overturn 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. The lawsuit refers to a study that found that, between 2001 and 2020, the average rate of denials for Black veterans who applied to receive disability compensation was 29,5%, as opposed to 24,2% for white veterans.