Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit
For a lot of veterans suffering from disabilities due to their military service, a veterans disability lawsuit could be the answer. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to those who have served in the military, including medical care and specialty programs.
However, getting those benefits is a lot more difficult for Black veterans, as per 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
If someone experiences trauma it may cause them to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms could include flashbacks, nightmares or anxiety that are disturbing. This condition can cause an individual to avoid certain places or situations which trigger memories of their traumatic experience. This can lead individuals to feel isolated and depressed. Counseling, medication and the support from family members can help to treat PTSD.
A new lawsuit brought 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 revealed to the veterans that VA documents showed that Black veterans disability law firms were denied benefits at a higher percentage than their white counterparts.
The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites research that indicates that between 2001 and 2020, the rejection rate for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, as compared to 24.2% for white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for Monk and other Black veterans who were unfairly denied benefits. It is also seeking to force the VA to review the claims of thousands of other veterans who were wrongly dismissed. The lawsuit was filed in federal court this week.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI can be mild, moderate or even severe and symptoms can be immediately visible or they may appear within a few hours or even weeks after the injury. Some of the symptoms are physical (headache fatigue, dizziness and headache) while others can be associated with issues with memory and concentration, emotional or behavior. TBI patients may also experience problems with movement or vision and balance.
The brain injury caused by a TBI can be caused through a hit, bump or jolt on the head, or a blow that is a blunt force or penetrating cut (such as from a bullet). The impact could cause skull fracture, which can lead to bleeding and bruising of the brain within the skull. The brain then may swell, pushing against the skull and reducing blood flow. The injury could occur throughout the entire brain, or only the lobe in which it is located.
Certain TBIs are classified as open, while others are closed. The classification is determined by whether or not the skull has been broken and whether or not the skull was opened or shut by the impact. TBIs differ in severity, ranging from a concussion up to a coma. People who suffer from TBIs are at an increased chance of developing depression or PTSD and other mental health issues. Some research suggests that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the chance of developing dementia and other movement disorders in later life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that occurs when a person experiences a trauma. It can be apparent immediately following the event or years later. Memory problems, difficulty in sleeping and concentrating, feelings of anger or irritability as well as being easily startled are some of the symptoms. Certain people may be depressed or have suicidal thoughts. The condition can cause problems at work, home, and in relationships. It can also lead alcohol or drug dependence.
Psychotherapy can treat symptoms, like eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants like selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can be beneficial for those suffering from PTSD. Medications can help control the symptoms and help people get through daily activities.
Certain studies examine ways to prevent PTSD. This includes looking at whether genes and the brain may influence the way a person reacts to trauma. Researchers are looking into how a normal response to stress could turn into PTSD, and how it can be treated early.
If you suspect PTSD If you suspect PTSD, it is crucial to speak with a doctor. It is essential to deal with symptoms that interfere with your daily routine, like difficulty getting along with others, or feeling angry and frustrated. Certain people with PTSD have the benefit of self-help like sharing their experiences in therapy or practicing methods of relaxation, such as deep breathing or rhythmic exercise. They may also benefit from sharing their anxieties with a trusted individual.
Depression
Depression can cause feelings of despair or sadness. It can be treated through psychotherapy. It involves speaking with an expert therapist about the problems that are causing you problems. You may be prescribed medication to improve your mood. There are a variety of types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists you to modify negative thoughts and behavior and focuses on relationships. There are also group therapies that bring patients with similar conditions together in a supportive setting.
The lawsuit claims that the VA has discriminated against Black veterans disability lawyer for a long time, by denying disability compensation claims at a higher percentage than white veterans. It was filed on behalf of Conley Monk who was a Vietnam War veteran who tried to obtain medical benefits including housing assistance, education and benefits for over 50 years. The suit is being filed by Yale Law School's veterans disability lawyers Legal Services Clinic, which represented Monk in his successful effort to rescind his less-than-honorable discharge due to PTSD and other injuries.
The lawsuit asserts that racial bias within the justice system of the military affected the discharge status of a lot of Black service members, and VA officials should have recognized this when making decisions regarding disability compensation. The lawsuit cites research that found that, between 2001 and veterans disability lawyers 2020 the average rate of denials for Black veterans who applied to receive disability compensation was 29,5%, as opposed to 24,2% for white veterans.