Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit
A lawsuit involving veterans' disabilities could be the answer for a large number of veterans suffering from disabilities resulting from their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, such as medical care and programs for veterans.
However, obtaining these benefits isn't easy for Black veterans, according to a lawsuit filed on Monday. The suit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk Jr. by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic.
PTSD
PTSD symptoms can develop in people who have been traumatized. These symptoms could include anxiety, nightmares or flashbacks that cause anxiety. The condition may cause people to avoid certain places or situations that trigger the traumatic event. This can cause a sense of depression and isolation. Therapy, medication, and support from family members can combat PTSD.
A new lawsuit brought jointly by Black veterans and Yale law clinics revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims made by Black veterans consistently over the course of decades. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower informed the veterans that VA documents revealed that Black veterans were denied benefits at a higher percentage than their white counterparts.
The lawsuit was brought by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley Monk and Yale's
veterans Disability lawyers Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites data that shows that between 2001 and 2020 the rate of rejection for Black disability claims was 29.5%, compared to 24.2% for white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for Monk and other Black veterans who were unfairly denied benefits. The lawsuit also seeks to force VA to reconsider tens of thousands of claims that were denied in error. The lawsuit was filed in federal court earlier this week.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI symptoms can be immediate or develop hours, days or even weeks later. Certain symptoms (headache dizziness, headache) are physical, while others may include emotions, memory, concentration or behavior issues. TBI patients may also experience problems with movement or vision and balance.
The brain injury from a TBI can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, whether from a blunt force or penetrating cut (such as from a gun). The impact can cause the skull to fracture and cause bleeding and bruising of the brain within the skull. The brain may expand and push against the skull, causing blood circulation. The injury could affect the whole brain or a particular lobe of the brain.
Certain TBIs can be classified as closed while others as open. The classification is based on whether or not the skull has been broken and whether or not the skull was open or closed by the impact. TBIs vary in severity, from a concussion up to a coma. People suffering from TBI are at increased risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions. Certain studies suggest that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the likelihood of developing dementia and other movement issues in later life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when someone has suffered a trauma. Symptoms can start as soon as the event ends and continue for a long time. They may include memory issues trouble with concentration and sleep, a feeling of anger and irritability, and being easily scared or jittery. Some people might suffer from depression or suicidal ideas. PTSD can create problems at work, in the home and even in relationships. It can also lead to dependence, which includes alcohol or other drugs.
Psychotherapy can 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. The medications help manage symptoms and make daily activities more enjoyable.
Some research is looking into ways to prevent PTSD, including looking at whether genes or the brain may affect a person's reaction to trauma. Others are investigating how a normal response to stress transforms into PTSD and how to treat it earlier.
If you suspect PTSD, it is important to speak with a doctor. It is essential to deal with the symptoms that hinder your daily life such as difficulty in getting along with other people, or feeling anger and frustrated. Self-help may be helpful for people suffering from PTSD. They could benefit from sharing their experiences during therapy or performing relaxation exercises such as deep breathing and a rhythmic exercise. They may also gain from being able to share their fears with a trusted friend.
The following are ways to reduce your risk of getting sick:
Depression is an illness that can trigger feelings of sadness and despair. Psychotherapy is one way to treat depression. This is when you talk to a professional about the problems you're experiencing. You could also be prescribed medication to improve your mood. There are many types of psychotherapy. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy, which aids you change negative attitudes and behaviors and interpersonal therapy which concentrates on your relationships. There are group therapies which bring people suffering from similar ailments together in a supportive atmosphere.
The lawsuit asserts that the VA has discriminated against Black veterans for decades, by disproportionately rejecting disability compensation claims at a higher rate than white veterans. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk who was who is a Vietnam War veteran who tried to gain access to medical benefits as well as housing assistance and education benefits for the past 50 years. The suit was filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which represented Monk in his successful effort to reverse his less than honorable military discharge due to PTSD and other injuries.
The lawsuit asserts that racial prejudice in the justice system of the military affected the discharge status of many Black service members, and VA officials should have recognized this when they made the decisions on disability compensation. It cites a research study that found that between 2001 and 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
veterans disability lawyer.