Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a
Veterans Disability LawsuitA veterans disability lawsuit could be the answer for a lot of veterans suffering from disabilities as a result of their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to those who been in the military, such as medical treatment and specialty programs.
However, getting those benefits isn't easy for Black veterans, as per the latest 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 manifest when someone is traumatized. The symptoms include nightmares, anxiety or frightening flashbacks. This disorder can make an individual to avoid certain places or situations which bring back memories of their trauma experience. This can cause individuals to feel isolated and depressed. Counseling, medication and the support from family members can in treating PTSD.
A lawsuit that was filed by Black veterans and a Yale law clinic has revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs has been systematically denying disability compensation claims to Black veterans for decades. NPR's Quil Lawrence reports that a whistleblower informed the veterans that VA internal documents showed Black veterans were denied benefits more often than their white counterparts.
The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. It cites data showing that between 2001 and 2020, the rejection rate for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, compared with 24.2 percent for white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for Monk and Black veterans who were denied benefits unfairly. The lawsuit also seeks to force VA to reconsider tens of thousands of other claims which were denied in error. The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI symptoms can be acute or manifest for days, hours or even weeks later. Some symptoms are physical (headache dizziness, fatigue and headache) while others can be associated with issues with memory and concentration, as well as emotional behavior. TBI patients may also have trouble moving or having problems with balance and vision.
TBIs can result from TBIs can be caused by TBI when the brain is damaged from a blow or bump to the head. It can be caused by an impact that is sharp or from a penetrating injury (such as shooting). The impact could cause the skull to fracture, causing bruising and bleeding of the brain inside the skull. The brain can swell and push against the skull, cutting off blood circulation. The injury may occur in the entire brain or in one particular lobe.
Some TBIs can be classified as closed while others as open. The classification depends on whether the skull is fractured or not, and whether the skull was opened or closed due to the impact. TBIs can vary in severity ranging from a concussion up to a being in a coma. People with TBI are at increased risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health issues. Research suggests that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the risk of developing dementia and movement problems in later years.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD is the result of having to undergo a trauma. The symptoms may manifest right after the incident or a few years later. They could include memory problems, difficulty in concentrating and sleeping, feelings of anger and irritability and being easily scared or jumpy. Some people might have suicidal or depression-related thoughts. PTSD can cause problems at work, in the home and in relationships. It can also lead to alcohol or drug addiction.
It is possible to treat symptoms with psychotherapy, which includes eye movement desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Some people with PTSD benefit from taking antidepressants, for example as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. Medications can help control the symptoms and make it easier to get through everyday activities.
Certain studies examine ways to prevent PTSD. This involves examining whether genes and the brain could affect a person's response to trauma. Researchers are studying the ways in which a normal response to stress can develop into PTSD, and how to treat it early.
It is important to see a doctor if you have PTSD. symptoms that affect your everyday life, like difficulty relating to other people or feeling angry and irritable should be addressed immediately. Certain people suffering from PTSD have the benefit of self-help, such as discussing their experiences in therapy or using relaxation techniques like deep breathing or a rhythmic exercise. They also benefit from sharing their fears with a trusted friend.
The following are some of ways to reduce your risk:
Depression can cause feelings of despair or sadness. Psychotherapy is one option to treat depression. It involves speaking with an expert about the issues you are experiencing. It could also involve medications that can help to improve your mood. There are many types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which aids you change negative thoughts and behaviors and interpersonal therapy which is focused on your relationships. There are also group therapies that bring people suffering from the same condition together in a safe and supportive setting.
The lawsuit claims that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for a long time, refusing disability claims at more than white
veterans disability lawsuits. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been trying to obtain medical benefits including housing, education and housing benefits for more than 50 years. The lawsuit was filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented during his successful fight to rescind his less than honorable discharge from the military due to PTSD and other injuries.
The lawsuit asserts that racial bias within the justice system for military personnel impacted the discharge status of many Black service members, and VA officials should have recognized this when they made the decisions on disability compensation. The lawsuit cites research that revealed that, between 2001 and 2020, the average denial rate of Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29,5% against 24,2 percent for white veterans.