Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability
LawsuitFor a lot of veterans suffering from disabilities resulting from their military service, a disability lawsuit may be the solution. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, such as medical care and special programs.
However, obtaining those benefits is a lot more difficult for Black veterans, as per a new lawsuit filed on Monday. The Yale Law School Veterans Legal Services Clinic filed the suit on behalf of Conley M. Monk Jr.
PTSD
PTSD symptoms can manifest when people are traumatized. It can manifest as flashbacks, nightmares or anxiety that cause anxiety. The condition can also cause a person to avoid certain locations or situations that trigger the trauma. This can cause a sense of isolation and depression. The good news is that PTSD can be treated with counseling and medication as well as the support of family members.
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 vets for decades. NPR's Quil Lawrence claims that a whistleblower has told the veterans that VA internal documents showed Black veterans were more often denied benefits than their white counterparts.
The lawsuit was brought 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 rate of rejection for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, as compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damage for Monk and Black veterans who were wrongfully denied benefits. It also seeks to force the VA to review hundreds 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 severe and symptoms may become evident or develop within a few hours or even weeks after the injury. Some symptoms (headache, dizziness, fatigue) are physical, while others could be related to memory, concentration, emotion or behavior issues. People suffering from TBI may experience problems with their emotions, concentration, or even behavior. TBI might also have difficulty getting around or having balance issues and vision.
TBIs can be caused by the occurrence of a TBI in the event that the brain has been damaged as a result of a bump or blow to the head. This can happen due to a blunt force, or a penetrating wound (such as the impact of a bullet). The impact could cause the skull to break which causes bleeding and bruising of the brain inside the skull. The brain can then expand and push against the skull and cutting off blood flow. The injury could affect the entire brain or a specific lobe in the brain.
Some TBIs are classified as open while others are closed. The classification is based on whether the skull has been fractured or not and whether the skull was closed or opened due to the impact. TBIs differ in severity, from concussions all the way to insanity. Patients with TBI are at greater risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health issues. Research suggests that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the chance of developing dementia and movement disorders in later life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when an individual experiences a trauma. The symptoms can begin as soon as the event has ended or even years later. Memory issues, trouble sleep and concentration, feelings of anger or irritability as well as being easily scared are a few of the signs. Some people might experience depression or suicidal thoughts. PTSD can cause problems at work, home, and even in relationships. It can also lead to alcohol or drug addiction.
Psychotherapy can treat symptoms like eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Some people suffering from PTSD benefit by taking antidepressants, such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs. These medications can help reduce symptoms and help people get through everyday tasks.
A few studies are looking at ways to prevent PTSD. This includes looking at whether genes and the brain may influence a person's reaction to a trauma. Some researchers are investigating how a normal reaction to stress may turn into PTSD and how to treat it early.
If you suspect PTSD It is vital to consult a doctor. It is essential to address the symptoms that hinder your daily life, such as difficulty in getting along with others, or feeling angry and frustrated. Certain people suffering from PTSD require self-help methods, such as talking about their experiences during therapy or using methods of relaxation, such as deep breathing or rhythmic exercise. They also benefit from being able share their fears with a trusted individual.
Depression
Depression is an illness that can bring on feelings of despair and sadness. It can be treated using psychotherapy, which involves speaking with an experienced therapist about the issues which are causing you issues. There may also be medications that can help improve your mood. There are several different types of psychotherapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, which aids to change negative beliefs and habits and interpersonal therapy, which concentrates on your relationships. There are group therapies which bring people with similar conditions together in a positive environment.
The lawsuit alleges that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for decades by refusing disability claims at an increased rate than white veterans. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk who was an Vietnam War veteran who tried to obtain medical benefits as well as housing assistance and education benefits for 50 years. The lawsuit is being handled by Yale Law School's
veterans disability attorney Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented in his successful attempt to rescind his unhonorable military discharge because of PTSD and other injuries.
The lawsuit claims that racial discrimination within the military justice system impacted the discharge status of Black service members and VA officials should have known this when deciding 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% for white veterans.