Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

A lawsuit involving veterans' disabilities could be a solution for a large number of veterans suffering from disabilities resulting from their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, such as medical treatment and special programs.

However, getting those benefits isn't easy for Black veterans, according to a new lawsuit filed 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 cause them to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms include nightmares, anxiety or frightening flashbacks. The condition may also cause a person to avoid certain places or situations that trigger the trauma. This can lead individuals to feel isolated and depressed. Counseling, medication and support from family members can to treat PTSD.

A new lawsuit filed by Black veterans and a Yale law clinic has revealed that the Department of edenton veterans disability lawyer Affairs has consistently denied disability compensation claims to Black veterans for years. NPR's Quil Lawrence reports that a whistleblower informed the otsego veterans Disability Law Firm that VA internal documents reveal that 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 research that indicates that from 2001 until 2020, the rejection rate for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, compared with 24.2% for white veterans.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for Monk and Black veterans who were unfairly denied benefits. It also seeks to force the VA to reassess 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 severe and symptoms may become apparent or they may develop in the hours or even weeks following the injury. Some of the symptoms are physical (headache dizziness, fatigue and headache) and others are related to problems with memory and concentration, emotional or behavior. TBI patients may also have problems with movement or vision and balance.

The brain injury caused by a TBI can be caused by a bump, a blow or jolt on the head, regardless of whether it was caused by a sharp force or a penetrating wound (such as from a shot). The impact could cause skull fracture, which could result in bleeding and swelling of the brain within the skull. The brain then may swell, pushing against the skull and cutting off blood flow. The injury could occur throughout the entire brain or just a specific lobe.

Some TBIs can be classified as closed and others as open. The classification depends on whether the skull is fractured or not and whether the skull was closed or opened by the impact. TBIs can vary in severity ranging from a concussion all the way to a the coma. People with TBIs are at an increased chance of developing depression and PTSD and other mental health issues. A few studies suggest that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the chance of developing dementia and movement issues in later life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that occurs when the victim experiences trauma. The symptoms can begin immediately after the event is over and continue for a long time. Memory problems, difficulty getting sleep and concentrating, or feelings of anger or irritability as well as being easily startled are some of the signs. Some people may experience depression or suicidal. Stress can cause issues at work, in relationships, and at home. It can also cause dependence, which includes alcohol or other drugs.

Psychotherapy can treat symptoms, like eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and 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 daily activities more enjoyable.

Some studies explore ways to prevent PTSD. This includes studying whether the brain and genes influence the way a person reacts to a trauma. Other researchers are looking into the ways in which a normal stress response develops into PTSD and how to treat it in the early stages.

It is important to see a doctor if you have PTSD. Any symptoms that impact your daily life, such as trouble getting along with others, or feeling angry or annoyed need to be addressed immediately. Certain people suffering from PTSD require self-help methods which includes talking about their experiences in therapy or using relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or a rhythmic exercise. They also benefit from being able to share their fears with a trusted person.

The following are ways to reduce your risk of getting sick:

Depression can cause feelings of sadness or hopelessness. It can be treated with psychotherapy, which involves talking with a therapist about the issues which are causing you issues. It may also include medications that can help to improve your mood. There are many different types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors and focuses on relationships. There are also group therapies that bring people with the same condition together in a supportive environment.

The lawsuit claims that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for a long time by refusing disability claims in an increased rate than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been battling to receive medical benefits including housing, education and housing benefits for more than 50 years. The suit is being filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which represented Monk in his successful effort to overturn his less-than-honorable military discharge due to PTSD and other injuries.

The lawsuit asserts that racial discrimination within the military justice system impacted the discharge status of Black service members, and that VA officials should've known this when deciding on disability compensation. The lawsuit cites a study which found that, between 2001 and the year 2020, the average rate of denial for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29,5% in contrast to 24,2% for white veterans.