Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

A lawsuit involving veterans' disabilities could be a solution for many veterans suffering from disabilities due to their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, such as medical care and programs for veterans.

However, obtaining these benefits is particularly difficult for Black veterans, according to a new lawsuit filed on Monday. The Yale Law School Veterans Legal Services Clinic filed the suit on behalf of Conley M. Monk Jr.

PTSD

PTSD symptoms can arise in people who have been traumatized. The symptoms include anxiety, nightmares, or frightening flashbacks. The condition can make the sufferer to avoid situations or places that are reminiscent of their painful experience. This can cause a sense of depression and isolation. Therapy, medication, and support from family members can help treat PTSD.

A new lawsuit filed by Black veterans Disability lawyer, Arikkeu.com, 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. NPR's Quil Lawrence claims that a whistleblower has told the veterans that VA internal documents reveal that Black veterans were denied benefits more frequently than their white counterparts.

The lawsuit was brought 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' disability claims was rejected at 29.5 percent compared to 24.2% of white veterans.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for Monk and Black veterans who were unfairly denied benefits. It also demands the VA to review thousands 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 serious and symptoms may be immediately apparent or 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 and concentration, emotional or behavior. TBI patients may also experience problems with movement or balance and vision.

The brain injury due to a TBI can be caused through a hit, bump or jolt to the head, or a blow that is a blunt force or penetrating wound (such as from a bullet). The impact may cause the skull fracture, which may cause bleeding and bruises of the brain inside the skull. The brain may then swell pushing against the skull and reducing blood flow. The injury could affect the entire brain, or a specific lobe of the brain.

Some TBIs are classified as open, while others are closed. The classification is based on whether the skull was fractured or not, and whether the skull was opened or closed by the impact. TBIs are a variety of severity, ranging from concussions to insanity. People with TBIs are more at risk likelihood of developing depression and PTSD and other mental health conditions. Certain studies suggest that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the likelihood of developing dementia and other movement issues in later life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD is the result of having to undergo a trauma. It can be apparent immediately following the event or years later. They may include memory problems, difficulty with concentration and sleep, a feeling of anger and irritability, and being easily shocked or jittery. People may experience depression or suicidal. The PTSD condition can cause issues at workplace, in relationships and at home. It can also cause alcohol or drug dependence.

The symptoms can be treated with psychotherapy, such as eye movement desensitisation and processing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are beneficial for some people with PTSD. Medications can help to manage symptoms and aid in getting through daily activities.

Some research is investigating ways to prevent PTSD, including looking at whether genes or the brain may affect a person's reaction to a 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 It is vital to see a doctor. The symptoms that hinder your everyday life, like difficulties getting along with others, or feeling angry or upset, should be addressed promptly. Certain people suffering from PTSD require self-help methods which includes discussing their experiences in therapy or practicing relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or a rhythmic exercise. They may also benefit from sharing their fears with someone they trust.

Depression

Depression is a condition that can lead to feelings of sadness and despair. Psychotherapy is one way to manage depression. This involves talking with an expert about the issues you're experiencing. You could also be prescribed medication to help improve your mood. There are several different types of psychotherapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, which aids to change negative attitudes and behaviors and interpersonal therapy which concentrates on your relationships. There are also group therapies that bring people with the same issue together in a supportive environment.

The lawsuit asserts that the VA has discriminated against Black veterans for years, by denying disability compensation claim at a higher percentage 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 lawsuit is being handled 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 prejudice in the justice system of the military affected the discharge status of a number of Black service members and VA officials should have recognized this when making decision-making regarding disability compensation. The lawsuit cites a study which discovered that between 2001 and 2020, the average rate of denial for Black veterans disability attorneys who applied for disability compensation was 29.5 percent, as compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans.