Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit
For many veterans suffering from disabilities resulting from their military service, a veterans disability lawsuit could be the solution. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, including medical care and special programs.
According to a lawsuit filed Monday, Black veterans have disproportionately more difficulty receiving these benefits. The Yale Law School Veterans Legal Services Clinic filed the suit on behalf of Conley M. Monk Jr.
PTSD
When someone is traumatized it may cause them to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms include anxiety, nightmares or disturbing flashbacks. This disorder can make people to avoid places or situations which are reminiscent of their painful experience. This can lead to isolation and depression. Counseling, medication and the support from family members can combat PTSD.
A lawsuit that was filed by Black veterans disability law firm and a Yale law clinic has found that the Department of Veterans Affairs has consistently denied disability compensation claims to Black veterans disability lawsuits for years. NPR's Quil Lawrence says that a whistleblower revealed to the veterans that VA internal documents reveal that Black veterans were denied benefits more frequently than their white counterparts.
The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley Monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit refers to statistics that show that between 2001 to 2020, the rejection rate for Black veterans who filed disability claims was rejected at 29.5 percent, as compared to 24.2% of white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for Monk and Black veterans who were unfairly denied benefits. It also seeks to force the VA to reconsider hundreds of other claims that were wrongly dismissed. The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI can be mild, moderate or even severe and symptoms may become apparent or they may develop hours or even weeks after the injury. Some symptoms are physical (headache dizziness, fatigue and headache) while others may be related to issues with memory, concentration, emotions or behavior. TBI patients may also experience trouble moving or having problems with vision and balance.
The brain damage due to a TBI can be caused by a bump, a blow or jolt to the head whether it's from a force that is blunt or penetrating wound (such as from a gun). The impact may cause the skull to break and cause bleeding and bruising of the brain inside the skull. The brain then may swell, pushing against the skull and cutting off blood flow. The injury could happen to the entire brain or just a specific lobe.
Some TBIs are classified as open and some are closed. The classification is determined by the extent to which the skull was fractured and whether or not the skull was closed or opened by the impact. TBIs vary in severity, ranging from concussions all the way to coma. People who suffer from TBIs are at a higher likelihood of developing depression and PTSD, as well as other mental health issues. Some research suggests that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the risk of developing dementia and movement issues in later life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when someone has suffered a trauma. Symptoms can start immediately after the event is over or even years later. Memory problems, difficulty getting sleep and concentrating, or feelings of anger or irritability and being easily triggered are a few of the signs. Some people may feel depressed or suicidal. PTSD can cause issues at work, home, and even in relationships. It can also cause addiction, which can include alcohol or drug.
Psychotherapy can treat symptoms, like eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Certain people suffering from PTSD benefit from taking antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. The medications can help manage the symptoms and help people get through daily activities.
Some research is investigating ways to stop PTSD by examining the possibility that genes or the brain may affect a person's reaction to trauma. Others are investigating the ways in which a normal stress response develops into PTSD and how to treat it in the early stages.
It is crucial to visit your doctor if you suffer from PTSD. It is important to address issues that impact your everyday life, such as difficulty in getting along with others, or being angry and frustrated. Self-help can be beneficial for people suffering from PTSD. They may benefit from sharing their experiences during therapy or engaging in relaxation exercises like deep breathing or a tempo-based exercise. They may also gain from being able to share their fears with a trusted friend.
Depression
Depression can bring feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Psychotherapy is a method to treat depression. This involves talking with a professional about the problems you are experiencing. You may be prescribed medication to help improve your mood. There are a variety of types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors while interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships. There are also group therapies that bring people with the same condition together in a supportive setting.
The lawsuit asserts that the VA has discriminated against Black Veterans Disability lawyer for a long time, through a disproportionate refusal of disability compensation claims in a higher proportion than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been battling to receive medical benefits as well as housing and education 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 fight to overturn his less-than-honorable military discharge due to PTSD and other injuries.
The lawsuit claims that racial discrimination in the military justice system affected the discharge status of numerous Black service members and VA officials should have been aware of this prior to making disability compensation decisions. It cites a research study that found that between 2001 and Veterans Disability lawyer 2020, the average denial rate for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5 percent, as compared to 24.2% for white veterans.