Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit
A veterans disability lawsuit could be a solution for a lot of veterans suffering from disabilities as a result of their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, such as medical treatment and special programs.
However, obtaining these benefits isn't easy for Black veterans, as per a new lawsuit filed on Monday. The suit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk Jr. by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic.
PTSD
If someone experiences trauma it can lead them to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms include nightmares, anxiety or troubling flashbacks. The condition may cause people to avoid certain places or situations that trigger the traumatic event. This can cause a sense of isolation and depression. Therapy, medication, and support from family members can help 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 vets for decades. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower revealed to the veterans that VA documents revealed that Black veterans were denied benefits in a higher proportion than white veterans.
The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley Monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites figures showing that between 2001 and 2020, the rate for Black veterans' disability claims was rejected at 29.5 percent, as compared to 24.2 percent of white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks to recover compensation for Monk and Black veterans who were denied benefits unfairly. It is also seeking to force the VA to reassess the thousands of other claims that were incorrectly dismissed. The lawsuit was filed in federal court this week.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI symptoms can be acute or manifest for days, hours or even weeks later. Some symptoms (headache, dizziness, fatigue) are physical, whereas others could be related to emotions, memory, concentration or behavioral issues. People suffering from TBI TBI might also have trouble getting around or with balance and vision.
TBIs can result from an TBI in the event that the brain has been injured by a blow or bump to the head. This can happen due to a blunt force, or a penetrating trauma (such as the impact of a bullet). The impact can cause the skull to fracture which can cause bleeding and bruising of the brain inside the skull. The brain then may swell and push against the skull, causing a cut in blood flow. The injury could be affecting the entire brain or a particular lobe of the brain.
Some TBIs can be classified as closed and others as open. The classification is based on whether the skull has been fractured or not and whether the skull was closed or opened by the impact. TBIs differ in severity, ranging from concussions to death. People who suffer from TBIs are more at risk likelihood of developing depression and PTSD as well as other mental health issues. Certain studies suggest that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs can increase the risk of dementia and movement disorders later in life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when an individual experiences a trauma. The symptoms can manifest immediately following the incident or a few years later. Memory issues, trouble sleep and concentration, feelings of anger or irritability as well as being easily startled are some of the symptoms. Certain people may have suicidal or depression-related thoughts. Stress can cause issues at work, in relationships, and at home. It can also lead to alcohol or drug addiction.
Symptoms can be treated with psychotherapy, such as eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants, such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can be beneficial for those suffering from PTSD. Medications can help to manage symptoms and make it easier to get through everyday activities.
Some research is investigating ways to stop PTSD as well as examining the possibility that genes or the brain can affect the way a person reacts to a trauma. Researchers are studying how a normal response to stress could turn into PTSD, and how to treat it early.
It is essential to consult your doctor if you suffer from PTSD. It is essential to deal with issues that affect your everyday life, such as difficulty getting along with other people, or feeling frustrated and angry. Certain people with PTSD have the benefit of self-help which includes discussing their experiences in therapy or using relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or a rhythmic exercise. They may also gain from being able share their fears with a trusted friend.
Depression
Depression is a condition that can cause feelings of despair and sadness. It can be treated with psychotherapy, which is the process of talking with an expert therapist about the problems which are causing you issues. You could be prescribed medication to improve your mood. There are several different types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you change negative behavior and thoughts, and interpersonal therapy, which is focused on your relationship. There are also group therapies that bring people who have similar issues together in a supportive atmosphere.
The lawsuit claims that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for decades by rejecting disability claims at an increased rate than white
veterans disability law firms. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been battling to receive medical benefits as well as housing and education benefits for over 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 discharge from the military because of PTSD and other injuries.
The lawsuit claims that racial discrimination in the justice system of the military affected the discharge status of many Black service members and VA officials should have been aware of this prior to making the decisions on disability compensation. The lawsuit cites a study which found that between 2001 and 2020 the average denial rate for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29,5% against 24,2% for white veterans.