Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

For many veterans disability attorneys suffering disabilities caused by 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.

However, getting those benefits isn't easy for Black veterans, as per a new lawsuit filed Monday. The Yale Law School veterans disability lawyers (super fast reply) Legal Services Clinic filed the suit on behalf of Conley M. Monk Jr.

PTSD

When people experience trauma they may be prone to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms can include anxiety, nightmares, or disturbing flashbacks. The condition can also cause a person to avoid certain locations or situations that bring back memories of the trauma. This can lead people to feel isolated and depressed. Counseling, medication and support from family members can to treat PTSD.

A new lawsuit jointly filed by Black veterans and Yale law clinic found that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims made by Black veterans repeatedly over the course of 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 their white counterparts.

The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley Monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites data that show that between 2001 and 2020, the percentage for Black veterans with disability claims was rejected at 29.5 percent compared to 24.2% of white veterans.

The lawsuit seeks to recover compensation for Monk and Black veterans who were denied benefits unfairly. 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 can be mild, moderate or serious and symptoms may be instantly visible or they may appear hours or even weeks after the injury. Certain symptoms are physical (headache fatigue, dizziness and headache) and others are related to problems with memory and concentration, emotional or behavior. TBI patients may also experience problems with movement or vision and balance.

The brain's damage from a TBI can be caused by a bump, a blow or jolt to the head, or a blow that is a blunt force or penetrating cut (such as a bullet). The impact may cause the skull fracture that can lead to bleeding and bruises of the brain inside the skull. The brain could then swell and push against the skull and reducing blood flow. The injury may occur in the entire brain or the lobe in which it is located.

Certain TBIs are classified as open and some are closed. The classification is determined by whether or not the skull was fractured and whether or not the skull was closed or opened due to the impact. TBIs can vary in severity, ranging from a concussion up to a being in a coma. People who suffer from TBI are at greater risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions. Certain studies suggest that having a variety of moderate to severe TBIs could increase the risk of dementia and movement disorders later in life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that occurs when an individual experiences a trauma. The symptoms can start when the event ends or a few years later. Memory problems, difficulties getting sleep and concentrating, or feelings of anger or irritability and being easily triggered are a few of the signs. People may experience depression or suicidal. PTSD can cause problems at work, with relationships, and at home. It can also lead to addiction, including alcohol or other drugs.

Psychotherapy can treat symptoms like eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Some people suffering from PTSD benefit from taking antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs. The medications help manage symptoms and make everyday activities more enjoyable.

A few studies are looking at ways to prevent PTSD. This includes studying whether genes and the brain may affect a person's response to trauma. Some researchers are investigating the ways in which a normal response to stress could turn into PTSD and how it can be treated early.

If you suspect PTSD It is essential to see a doctor. It is essential to address issues that affect your daily life such as difficulty in getting along with others, or feeling frustrated and angry. Self-help can be beneficial for some people with PTSD. They may benefit from discussing their experiences during therapy or engaging in relaxation exercises like deep breathing and rhythmic exercise. They may also benefit from being able to talk about their fears with a person they trust.

The following are ways to reduce your risk:

Depression can trigger feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Psychotherapy is a method to combat depression. This involves talking to an expert about the issues you're experiencing. You may be prescribed medication to help improve your mood. There are a variety of types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, veterans disability lawyers which aids you overcome negative beliefs and habits, and interpersonal therapy, which is focused on your relationship. There are group therapy options that bring people suffering from similar conditions together in a positive environment.

The lawsuit claims that the VA has discriminated against Black veterans for decades by rejecting disability compensation claim in a higher proportion than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been trying to get medical benefits including housing, education and housing benefits for over 50 years. The lawsuit is being handled by Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented in his successful bid to rescind his unhonorable discharge from the military due to PTSD and other injuries.

The lawsuit asserts that racial discrimination in the justice system of the military affected the discharge status of numerous Black service members, and VA officials should have been aware of this when making disability compensation decisions. The lawsuit cites a study that discovered that between 2001 and 2020 the average denial rate for Black veterans who applied to receive disability compensation was 29,5%, in contrast to 24,2% for white veterans.