Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

A veterans disability lawsuit could be a solution for many veterans who suffer from disabilities as a result of their military service. The Department of veterans disability law firm Affairs offers benefits to veterans, such as medical care and programs for veterans.

According to a lawsuit filed Monday, Black veterans have disproportionately more difficulty in obtaining these benefits. The suit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk Jr. by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic.

PTSD

If people suffer from trauma it can lead them to develop symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can manifest as flashbacks, nightmares or anxiety that are disturbing. This condition can cause the sufferer to avoid places or situations that trigger memories of their traumatic experience. This can cause a sense of isolation and depression. The good news is that PTSD can be treated with the help of counseling, medication and support from loved ones.

A lawsuit that was filed by Black veterans and a Yale law clinic has found that the Department of Veterans Affairs has repeatedly denied disability compensation claims to Black veterans for a long time. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower revealed to the veterans that VA documents revealed that Black veterans were denied benefits at a higher rate than white veterans.

The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites statistics showing that between 2001 and 2020, the percentage for Black veterans of disability claims was rejected at 29.5 percent compared to 24.2 percent of white veterans.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for Monk and Black veterans who were unfairly denied benefits. It also aims to force the VA to reassess the claims of thousands of other veterans who were incorrectly dismissed. The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court.

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI symptoms can be immediate or may develop for hours, days or even weeks later. Certain symptoms are physical (headache dizziness, fatigue, and headache) while others can be associated with issues with memory focus, emotions, or behavior. TBI patients may also experience difficulties moving or with vision and balance.

The brain's damage caused by a TBI can be caused by a bump, a blow or jolt on the head, whether from a blunt force or penetrating cut (such as from a gun). The impact may cause the skull to break which causes bleeding and bruising of the brain within the skull. The brain could then swell pushing against the skull and cutting off blood flow. The injury may be affecting the entire brain or a specific lobe of the brain.

Certain TBIs are classified as open and some are closed. The classification is determined by whether or not the skull was fractured and whether the skull was opened or shut by the impact. TBIs are a variety of severity, from concussions all the way to insanity. People with TBIs are at a higher chance of developing depression or PTSD and other mental health problems. Some research suggests that having a number of moderate to severe TBIs could 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. Symptoms may appear immediately after the event, or may develop years later. Memory issues, trouble sleep and concentration, feelings of anger or irritability, and being easily shocked are some of the signs. Certain people may be depressed or have suicidal thoughts. The condition can cause problems at work, home, and in relationships. It can also cause addiction, such as alcohol or other drugs.

Psychotherapy can help treat symptoms, like eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are beneficial for some people with PTSD. Medications can help control the symptoms and help people get through everyday tasks.

Some research is investigating ways to stop PTSD, including looking at whether the brain or genes may affect a person's reaction to a trauma. Researchers are looking into how a normal reaction to stress can develop into PTSD, and how it can be treated early.

It is important to see a doctor if you have PTSD. It is crucial to address the symptoms that hinder your daily life such as difficulty getting along with others, or being angry and frustrated. Self-help can be helpful for some people with PTSD. They may benefit from talking about their experiences during therapy, or doing relaxation exercises such as deep breathing or a tempo-based exercise. They may also benefit from being able to share their fears with someone they trust.

Here are a few of the ways to reduce your risk of getting sick:

Depression can trigger feelings of sadness or hopelessness. It can be treated using psychotherapy, which involves talking with a therapist about the issues that are causing you problems. You could be prescribed medication to help improve your mood. There are a variety of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you modify negative thoughts and behavior, while interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships. There are group therapy options that bring people suffering from similar ailments together in a supportive environment.

The lawsuit asserts that the VA has discriminated against Black veterans for decades by disproportionately rejecting 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 gain access to medical benefits as well as housing assistance and education benefits for the past 50 years. The suit is being filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which represented Monk in his successful attempt to reverse 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 refers to a study that found that between 2001 and 2020 the average denial rate for Black veterans who applied to receive disability compensation was 29,5% as opposed to 24,2 percent for white veterans.