Veterans Disability Lawsuit – How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit
A veterans disability lawsuit could be the answer for a lot of veterans suffering from disabilities resulting from their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, such as medical care and programs for veterans.
However, getting those benefits isn’t easy for Black veterans, according to a new lawsuit filed Monday. The suit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk Jr. by Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic.
PTSD
When someone is traumatized it can lead them to develop symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms could include panic, nightmares, flashbacks or other symptoms that cause anxiety. The condition can also cause someone to avoid certain places or situations that trigger the trauma. This can cause isolation and depression. Counseling, medication and the support from family members can treat PTSD.
A lawsuit that was filed jointly by Black veterans and Yale law clinics found that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims of Black veterans repeatedly over the course of decades. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower told the vets that VA documents showed that Black veterans were denied benefits in a higher proportion than white veterans disability attorney.
The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley monk and Yale’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic. It cites data showing that from 2001 to the rate of rejection for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, compared with 24.2 percent for white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for Monk and other Black veterans who were denied access to benefits. The lawsuit also seeks to make VA to reconsider tens of thousands of other claims which were incorrectly denied. The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI can be mild, moderate or serious and symptoms may be instantly visible or they may appear in the hours or even weeks following the injury. Some symptoms are physical (headache dizziness, fatigue, and headache) while others can be associated with issues with memory, concentration, emotions or behavior. People suffering from TBI may experience problems with their emotions, concentration, or even behavior. TBI may also experience difficulty getting around or having balance issues and vision.
TBIs can be caused by an TBI if the brain is injured by a blow or bump to the head. This could result from a blunt force, or a penetrating trauma (such as a bullet). The impact may cause the skull to fracture and cause bleeding and bruising of the brain within the skull. The brain can then expand and push against the skull and cutting off blood flow. The injury could occur throughout the entire brain or in one particular lobe.
Some TBIs are classified as open while others are closed. The classification is based on whether the skull has been damaged or not, as well as whether the skull was opened or closed due to the impact. TBIs can vary in severity ranging from a concussion all the way to a an coma. People with TBIs are at a higher risk of developing depression and PTSD, as well as other mental health problems. Some research suggests that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the risk of developing dementia and other movement issues in later life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD develops when people experience a trauma. The symptoms can manifest as soon as the event ends or even years later. Memory problems, trouble in sleeping and concentrating, feelings of anger or irritability as well as being easily startled are some of the symptoms. There are some who experience depression or suicidal thoughts. The PTSD condition can cause issues at work, in relationships, and at home. It can also cause alcohol or drug addiction.
Psychotherapy can treat symptoms, such as eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Certain people suffering from PTSD benefit by taking antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. These medications can help control symptoms and make everyday activities more enjoyable.
Some research examines how to prevent PTSD. This includes studying whether genes and the brain may influence the way a person reacts to a trauma. Other studies are looking at how a normal response to stress develops into PTSD and how to treat it before it becomes a problem.
It is important to see an expert if you suffer from PTSD. symptoms that affect your daily life, such as difficulties in relating with people around you or feeling angry and upset need to be addressed immediately. Certain people with PTSD can benefit from self-help techniques, such as sharing their experiences in therapy or utilizing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or doing a thumping exercise. They can also benefit by being able share their fears with a trusted friend.
Here are some of the methods to lower your risk:
Depression can trigger feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Psychotherapy is a method to manage depression. This involves talking with an expert about the issues you’re experiencing. You may be prescribed medication to help improve your mood. There are numerous types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you modify negative thoughts and behavior and focuses on relationships. There are also group therapies that bring patients with the same issue together in a supportive environment.
The lawsuit alleges that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for decades by refusing disability claims at greater percentages than white veterans. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk who was who is a Vietnam War veteran who tried to gain access to medical benefits as well as housing assistance and education benefits for 50 years. The suit was filed by Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which represented Monk in his successful bid to overturn 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 have been aware of this when deciding on disability compensation. The lawsuit cites a study that revealed that, between 2001 and the year 2020, the average rate of denial for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29,5%, in contrast to 24,2 percent for white veterans.