Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit
A lawsuit for veterans' disability could be a solution for many veterans who suffer from disabilities due to their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to those who served in the military, such as medical care and special programs.
However, obtaining these benefits is disproportionately difficult for Black veterans, according to 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
When someone is traumatized they may be prone to develop symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can manifest as 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 isolation and depression. Counseling, medication and support from family members can help treat PTSD.
A new lawsuit filed by Black veterans and a Yale law clinic has found that the Department of Veterans Affairs has consistently denied disability compensation claims to Black vets for 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 rate than white veterans.
The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. It cites data showing that from 2001 to 2020 the rate of rejection for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for Monk and other Black veterans who were unfairly denied access to benefits. It also seeks to force the VA to reassess the thousands of other claims that were dismissed in error. The lawsuit was filed in federal court this week.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI can be mild, moderate or even severe and symptoms may become evident or develop within a few hours or even weeks after the injury. Certain symptoms (headache, dizziness, fatigue) are physical, whereas others may be related to emotional, memory, concentration or behavior problems. TBI patients may also have problems with movement or balance and vision.
The brain injury from a TBI can be caused by a blow, bump or jolt on the head, regardless of whether it was caused by a sharp force or penetrating cut (such as from a shot). The impact may cause the skull fracture that can lead to bleeding and bruises of the brain inside the skull. The brain may expand and push against the skull, causing blood circulation. The injury can occur in the entire brain or just one lobe.
Certain TBIs can be classified as closed while others as open. The classification is determined by whether or not the skull has been fractured and whether or not the skull was shattered or opened due to the impact. TBIs differ in severity, ranging from concussions all the way to insanity. People who suffer from TBI are more at risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions. A few studies suggest that having a number of moderate to severe TBIs can increase the risk of dementia and movement disorders later on in life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, develops after people are traumatized. The symptoms can manifest immediately following the incident or a few years later. Memory problems, difficulties getting sleep and concentrating, or feelings of anger or irritability, and being easily startled are some of the signs. Some people may experience depression or suicidal. The condition can cause problems at work, home, and even in relationships. It can also trigger alcohol or drug dependence.
Symptoms can be treated with psychotherapy, which includes eye movement desensitisation and processing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants like selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can be beneficial for some people with PTSD. The medications help manage symptoms and make everyday activities more enjoyable.
A few studies are looking at ways to prevent PTSD by examining whether genes or the brain may affect a person's reaction to trauma. Researchers are studying how a normal response to stress could turn into PTSD and how to treat it early.
It is important to see a doctor if you have PTSD. It is crucial to address symptoms that interfere with your everyday life, such as difficulty getting along with others, or being angry and frustrated. Certain people suffering from PTSD require self-help methods which includes talking about their experiences during therapy or practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or a rhythmic exercise. They can also benefit by being able to discuss their fears with someone they trust.
Depression
Depression is an illness that can trigger feelings of sadness and despair. Psychotherapy is one option to manage depression. This involves talking to a professional about the problems you're experiencing. There may also be medication, which can lift your mood. There are many different kinds of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors, and interpersonal therapy, which concentrates on your relationships. There are also group therapies that bring patients with the same problem together in a safe and supportive setting.
The lawsuit claims that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for a long time by refusing disability claims in a higher percentage than white veterans. It was filed on behalf of Conley Monk, an Vietnam War veteran who tried to get medical benefits, housing assistance and education benefits for the past 50 years. The lawsuit is being filed by Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented during his successful fight to reverse his less-than honorable discharge from the military because of PTSD and other injuries.
The lawsuit claims that racial discrimination in the military justice system affected the discharge status of Black service members and VA officials should've known this when making decisions about disability compensation. The lawsuit cites a study that revealed that, between 2001 and the year 2020, the average denial rate for Black
veterans disability lawyers (
moden126.mireene.Com) who applied for disability compensation was 29,5%, as opposed to 24,2 percent for white veterans.