Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit
A lawsuit for veterans' disability could be the solution for many veterans suffering from disabilities as a result of their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, including medical treatment and special programs.
According to a lawsuit filed on Monday, Black veterans have disproportionately more trouble obtaining these benefits. 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 traumatized people suffer. The symptoms include anxiety, nightmares, or troubling flashbacks. The condition may also cause a person to avoid certain places or situations that trigger the traumatic event. This can lead people to feel lonely and depressed. Therapy, medication, and support from family members can treat PTSD.
A lawsuit that was filed jointly by Black veterans and the Yale law clinics found that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims of Black veterans repeatedly over a long period of time. NPR's Quil Lawrence says that a whistleblower revealed to the vets that VA internal documents showed Black veterans were denied benefits more often than their white counterparts.
The lawsuit was brought by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley Monk and Yale's
veterans disability attorney Legal Services Clinic. It cites data showing that from 2001 to 2020, the rate of rejection for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, as 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 for the VA to reassess tens of thousands of other claims that were incorrectly denied. The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI symptoms can be acute or may develop for hours, days or even weeks later. Certain symptoms are physical (headache fatigue, dizziness and headache) while others can be associated with issues with memory and concentration, as well as emotional behavior. People with a TBI might also have difficulty getting around or with balance and vision.
The brain's damage caused by a TBI can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt on the head, whether it's from a force that is blunt or penetrating cut (such as from a gun). The impact may cause the skull fracture that can 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 can occur in the entire brain or in a specific lobe.
Some TBIs can be classified as closed and others as open. The classification is determined by the extent to which the skull was fractured and whether the skull was opened or shut due to the impact. TBIs differ in severity, from a concussion up to a coma. People with TBIs are more at risk risk of developing depression and PTSD as well as other mental health issues. Research suggests that having a number of moderate to severe TBIs can increase the risk of developing dementia and movement disorders later on in life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD develops when people undergo a trauma. The symptoms can manifest at the time that the event ends and continue for a long time. Memory problems, difficulty getting sleep and concentrating, or feelings of anger or irritability, and being easily shocked are some of the signs. Some people may feel depressed or suicidal. PTSD can cause issues at work, in relationships, and at home. It can also lead alcohol or drug addiction.
The symptoms can be treated with psychotherapy, including eye movement desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can be beneficial for some people with PTSD. Medications help to control symptoms and make everyday activities more enjoyable.
Some research examines how to avoid PTSD. This includes examining how the brain and genes affect a person's response to a trauma. Others are investigating how a normal stress response changes into PTSD and how to treat it earlier.
If you suspect PTSD It is essential to speak with a doctor. Symptoms that interfere with everyday life, like difficulty relating to others or feeling angry and angry need to be addressed immediately. Some people with PTSD benefit from self-help like talking about their experiences in therapy or utilizing relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or rhythmic exercise. They may also benefit from being able share their fears with a trusted friend.
Depression
Depression is a condition that can lead to feelings of despair and sadness. Psychotherapy is a method to combat depression. It involves speaking with an expert about the issues you are experiencing. You could also be prescribed medication to help improve your mood. There are many different kinds of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy, which helps to change negative beliefs and habits and interpersonal therapy, which concentrates on your relationships. There are also group therapies that bring people with the same issue together in a supportive setting.
The lawsuit claims that the VA discriminated against Black
veterans disability lawyers for decades by refusing disability claims in an increased rate than white
veterans disability lawyer. It was filed on behalf of Conley Monk who was a Vietnam War veteran who tried to access medical benefits such as housing aid and education benefits for more than 50 years. The lawsuit was filed by Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented in his successful bid to overturn his less-than-honorable military discharge because of PTSD and other injuries.
The lawsuit says that racial discrimination in the military justice system impacted the discharge status of a number of Black service members, and VA officials should have recognized this when they made disability compensation decisions. The lawsuit cites a study which discovered that between 2001 and 2020, the average denial rate for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5 percent, compared with 24.2 percent for white veterans.