Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a veterans disability lawyer Disability Lawsuit
A veterans disability lawsuit could be the solution for many veterans suffering from disabilities as a result of their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, including medical treatment and special programs.
However, obtaining those benefits is particularly difficult for Black veterans, according to 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
PTSD symptoms can arise when someone is traumatized. The symptoms include nightmares, anxiety, or disturbing flashbacks. This condition can make people to avoid areas or situations that remind them of their traumatic experience. This can cause isolation and depression. The good news is that PTSD can be managed with counseling, medication, and support from family members.
A new lawsuit filed jointly by Black veterans and the Yale law clinics has revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims of Black veterans consistently over the course of decades. NPR's Quil Lawrence says that a whistleblower revealed to the vets that VA internal documents showed Black veterans were denied benefits more often than white veterans.
The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites data that shows that from 2001 to 2020 the rate of rejection for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, compared with 24.2% for white veterans disability lawsuits.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for Monk and Black veterans who were unfairly denied benefits. The lawsuit also seeks to oblige VA to reconsider tens of thousands of other claims which were wrongly denied. The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI symptoms can be present immediately or appear for days, hours or even weeks later. Some symptoms (headache dizziness, fatigue, headache) are physical, whereas others may include emotional, memory, concentration or behavioral issues. TBI patients may also have trouble moving or having problems with balance and vision.
The damage to the brain from a TBI can be caused through a hit, bump or jolt on the head, whether from a blunt force or a penetrating injury (such as a bullet). The impact can result in a skull fracture, which can result in bleeding and bruising of the brain within the skull. The brain can swell and press against the skull, causing blood circulation. The injury could be affecting the entire brain or a specific lobe in the brain.
Some TBIs are classified as open and some are closed. The classification is based on whether the skull is fractured or not and on whether the skull was opened or closed due to the impact. TBIs can vary in severity ranging from a concussion up to a being in a coma. Patients with TBIs are at a higher chance of developing depression and PTSD and other mental health issues. Some research suggests that having a number of moderate to severe TBIs can increase the risk of developing dementia and movement disorders later in life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after someone has suffered a trauma. Symptoms may appear immediately after the event or years later. Memory problems, difficulty concentrating and sleeping, feelings of anger or irritability and being easily triggered are a few of the signs. Certain people may be depressed or suicidal. PTSD can cause problems at home, work and even in relationships. It can also cause dependence, which includes alcohol or drug.
Symptoms can be treated with psychotherapy, including eye movement desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Some people suffering from PTSD benefit by taking antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs. The medications help manage symptoms and make everyday activities more enjoyable.
Certain studies examine ways to avoid PTSD. This includes examining how genes and the brain could affect a person's response to trauma. Some researchers are looking at how a normal response to stress can develop into PTSD, and how to treat it early.
If you suspect PTSD, it is important to seek out a medical professional. It is essential to deal with issues that affect your daily life such as difficulty relating to others, or feeling anger and frustrated. Certain people with PTSD have the benefit of self-help which includes sharing their experiences in therapy or utilizing relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or exercise. They may also gain from sharing their anxieties with a trusted person.
Here are some of the ways to reduce your risk of contracting a disease:
Depression can bring feelings of despair or sadness. It can be treated with psychotherapy, which is the process of talking with an experienced therapist about the issues that cause you stress. You may also be prescribed medication to improve your mood. There are a variety of types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists you to change your negative thoughts and behaviors, while interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships. There are also group therapies that bring people suffering from similar conditions together in a supportive environment.
The lawsuit claims that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for a long time by refusing disability claims at greater percentages than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been fighting for medical benefits, housing benefits and education benefits for more than 50 years. The lawsuit was filed by Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented during his successful fight to rescind his less than honorable military discharge because of PTSD and other injuries.
The lawsuit claims that racial bias within the justice system for military personnel impacted the discharge status of many Black service members, and VA officials should have recognized this prior to making decision-making regarding disability compensation. The lawsuit refers to a study that discovered that between 2001 and the year 2020, the average denial rate of Black veterans who applied to receive disability compensation was 29,5%, as opposed to 24,2% for white veterans.