Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit
A veterans disability lawsuit could be the answer for a lot of veterans suffering from disabilities due to their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, such as medical treatment and special programs.
However, obtaining those benefits is a lot more difficult for Black veterans, as per the latest 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 arise when traumatized people suffer. The symptoms can include anxiety, nightmares or flashbacks that are disturbing. This condition can make a person avoid situations or places that bring back memories of their trauma experience. This can cause a sense of depression and isolation. The good news is that PTSD can be treated with counseling and medication, as well as support from loved ones.
A new lawsuit brought jointly by Black veterans and the 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 reports that a whistleblower informed the vets that VA internal documents showed Black veterans were more often denied benefits than white veterans.
The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites statistics showing that between 2001 and 2020, the rate for Black veterans of disability claims was rejected at 29.5% compared to only 24.2 percent of white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks damages for compensation for Monk and other Black veterans who were unfairly denied benefits. The lawsuit also seeks to make VA to reassess tens of thousands of other claims which were incorrectly denied. The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Wednesday.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI can be mild, moderate or even severe and symptoms may become apparent or may develop in the hours or even weeks following the injury. Certain symptoms are physical (headache, fatigue and dizziness) while others can be associated with issues with memory and concentration, emotional or behavior. TBI patients may also experience difficulty moving or with vision and balance.
The brain damage due to a TBI can be caused by a blow, bump or jolt on the head, or a blow that is a blunt force or a penetrating injury (such as from a bullet). The impact can result in a skull fracture, which could cause bleeding and bruises of the brain inside the skull. The brain could then swell, pushing against the skull and cutting off blood flow. The injury could occur throughout the entire brain, or only one particular lobe.
Some TBIs are classified as open, while others are closed. The classification is based on whether or not the skull was fractured and whether the skull was closed or opened due to the impact. TBIs differ in severity, from concussions all the way to fatal coma. People suffering from TBI are at greater risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions. Certain studies suggest that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the risk of dementia and other movement disorders later in life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD is the result of having to are traumatized. The symptoms can manifest when the event ends, or years later. They may include memory issues trouble sleeping and concentrating, feelings of anger and irritability and being easily startled or jumpy. Some people might have suicidal or depression-related thoughts. Stress can cause issues at work, in relationships, and at home. It can also lead alcohol or drug addiction.
It is possible to treat symptoms with psychotherapy, including eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants like selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are beneficial for people suffering from PTSD. Medications help to control symptoms and make everyday activities more enjoyable.
Some research is looking into ways to stop PTSD by examining whether genes or the brain may affect a person's reaction to trauma. Others are investigating how a normal response to stress develops into PTSD and how to treat it before it becomes a problem.
If you suspect PTSD It is vital to see a doctor. It is essential to deal with the symptoms that hinder your daily life such as difficulty in getting along with others, or being angry and frustrated. Some people with PTSD benefit from self-help like talking about their experiences in therapy or practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or rhythmic exercise. They can also benefit from being able to talk about their anxieties with someone they trust.
Depression
Depression is an illness that can bring on feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Psychotherapy is one way to manage depression. This involves talking to a professional about the problems you're experiencing. It may also involve medications that can help improve your mood. There are a variety of types of psychotherapy. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors as well as interpersonal therapy, which focuses on your relationships. There are group therapies that bring people suffering from similar conditions together in a positive environment.
The lawsuit alleges that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for decades by refusing disability claims at more than white
veterans disability attorney. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been fighting for medical benefits, housing benefits and education benefits for more than 50 years. The lawsuit is being handled by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented during his successful fight to rescind his less than honorable military discharge because of PTSD and other injuries.
The lawsuit asserts that racial bias in the military justice system impacted the discharge status of a lot of Black service members and VA officials should have recognized this when making decision-making regarding disability compensation. It cites a research study that found that between 2001 and the year 2020, the average rate of denial for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5 percent, compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans.