Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a veterans disability law firms Disability Lawsuit
For a lot of veterans suffering from disabilities resulting from their military service, a disability lawsuit might be the answer. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to those who have served in the military, such as medical treatment and specialty programs.
However, getting those benefits is a lot more difficult for Black veterans, according to a lawsuit filed on Monday. The suit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk Jr. by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic.
PTSD
PTSD symptoms can develop when someone is traumatized. It can manifest as panic, nightmares, flashbacks or other symptoms that cause anxiety. The condition may cause people to avoid certain places or situations that bring back memories of the trauma. This can cause people to feel lonely and depressed. The good news is that PTSD can be treated with the help of counseling, medication and support from family members.
A lawsuit that was filed jointly by Black veterans and the Yale law clinic found that the Department of veterans Disability lawyers Affairs denied disability compensation claims of Black veterans consistently over the course of decades. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower informed the vets that VA documents showed that Black veterans were denied benefits in a higher proportion than white veterans.
The lawsuit was brought by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley Monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites figures showing that between 2001 and 2020, the percentage for Black veterans' disability claims was rejected at 29.5 percent, as compared to 24.2% of white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damage for Monk and Black veterans who were unfairly denied benefits. The lawsuit also seeks to oblige VA to review tens or 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 dizziness, fatigue and headache) while others may be related to issues with memory and concentration, emotional or behavior. People suffering from TBI may experience problems with their emotions, concentration, or even behavior. TBI may also have trouble moving around or with balance and vision.
TBIs can result from the occurrence of a TBI in the event that the brain has been damaged as a result of a bump or blow to the head. This could result from a blunt force, or a penetrating trauma (such as a bullet). The impact can cause the skull to fracture which can cause bleeding and bruising of the brain inside the skull. The brain may then swell pushing against the skull, causing a cut in blood flow. The injury can affect the entire brain or a specific lobe in the brain.
Some TBIs can be classified as closed while others as open. The classification depends on whether the skull has been fractured or not, and whether the skull was opened or closed due to the impact. TBIs can differ in severity from a concussion up to a being in a coma. People who have TBIs are at a higher chance of developing depression and PTSD and other mental health issues. Certain studies suggest that having multiple 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 (PTSD) occurs when someone has suffered a trauma. The symptoms may manifest right after the incident or a few years later. Memory problems, trouble getting sleep and concentrating, or feelings of anger or irritability, and being easily shocked are some of the symptoms. People may experience depression or suicidal. PTSD can cause problems at work, with relationships, and at home. It can also lead alcohol or drug dependence.
The symptoms can be treated using psychotherapy, including eye movements desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can be beneficial for people suffering from PTSD. These medications can help control symptoms and make daily activities easier.
Some research is looking into ways to prevent PTSD as well as examining the possibility that genes or the brain can affect a person's response to trauma. Researchers are looking into the ways in which a normal response to stress can turn into PTSD and how it can be treated early.
It is crucial to visit a doctor if you have PTSD. It is crucial to address issues that impact your daily routine, like difficulties in relating to others, or feeling annoyed and frustrated. Self-help can be beneficial for those suffering from PTSD. They could benefit from discussing their experiences in therapy or engaging in relaxation exercises like deep breathing or a tempo-based exercise. They can also benefit by being able to discuss their fears with a person they trust.
Depression
Depression can trigger feelings of despair or sadness. It can be treated using psychotherapy. It involves speaking with an experienced therapist about the issues that are causing you problems. You could also be prescribed medication to help improve your mood. There are numerous types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy aids you change your negative thoughts and behaviors, while interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships. There are also group therapies that bring patients with the same issue together in a supportive setting.
The lawsuit claims that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for a long time, refusing disability claims at more than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been fighting for medical benefits as well as housing and education benefits for more than 50 years. The lawsuit is being filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented in his successful effort to reverse his less-than honorable military discharge due to PTSD and other injuries.
The lawsuit says that racial bias within the justice system of the military affected the discharge status of numerous Black service members and VA officials should have recognized this when they made the decisions on disability compensation. It cites a research study that discovered that between 2001 and 2020 the average rate of denial for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5 percent, compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans.