Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

For a lot of veterans suffering from disabilities caused by their military service, a veterans disability lawsuit might be the answer. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, including medical treatment and special programs.

However, obtaining those benefits is a lot more difficult for Black veterans, as per 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

If people suffer from trauma it can lead them to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares or anxiety that cause anxiety. The condition may also cause a person to avoid certain places or situations that trigger the trauma. This can cause depression and isolation. Counseling, medication and support from family members can to treat PTSD.

A lawsuit that was filed jointly by Black veterans and the Yale law clinics has revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims made by Black veterans repeatedly over a long period of time. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower revealed to the vets that VA documents showed that Black veterans were denied benefits in a higher proportion than white veterans.

The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley Monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites statistics that show that from 2001 until 2020, the rate of rejection for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, compared with 24.2 percent for white rocky mount veterans disability law firm.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for Monk and other Black veterans who were denied benefits. It also aims to force the VA to review hundreds 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 can be immediately visible or they may appear within a few hours or even weeks after the injury. Some symptoms are physical (headache dizziness, fatigue and headache) while others include problems with memory, concentration, emotions or behavior. People suffering from a TBI may also have trouble getting around or with balance and vision.

The brain's damage due to a TBI can be caused by a bump, a blow or jolt on the head, regardless of whether it was caused by a sharp force or a penetrating injury (such as from a shot). The impact can cause the skull to break and cause bleeding and bruising of the brain within the skull. The brain then may swell pushing against the skull and reducing blood flow. The injury could affect the whole brain or a specific area of the brain.

Some TBIs are classified as open, while others are closed. The classification is based on whether the skull is fractured or not, and whether the skull was closed or opened by the impact. TBIs are a variety of severity, from a concussion up to a fatal coma. People who suffer from TBI are at a higher risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions. Some research suggests that having a variety of moderate to severe TBIs can increase the risk of developing dementia and other movement disorders later in life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, develops after people experience a trauma. The symptoms can begin immediately after the event ends, or years later. They can include memory problems, difficulty sleeping and concentrating, feelings of anger and irritability, and being easily frightened or jittery. Certain people may be depressed or suicidal. PTSD can create problems at home, work and even in relationships. It can also cause alcohol or drug dependence.

Symptoms can be treated with psychotherapy, which includes 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. These medications can help control symptoms and make everyday activities easier.

Some research is looking into ways to prevent PTSD, including looking at whether genes or the brain can influence a person's response to trauma. Other researchers are looking into how a normal response to stress changes into PTSD and how to treat it earlier.

It is essential to consult an expert if you suffer from PTSD. Symptoms that interfere with daily life, such as trouble getting along with other people or feeling angry and angry need to be addressed immediately. Self-help can be beneficial for people suffering from PTSD. They could benefit from talking about their experiences in therapy, or practicing relaxation exercises like deep breathing and rhythmic exercise. They also benefit from being able to share their fears with a trusted person.

Depression

Depression is a condition that can cause feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Psychotherapy is one option to treat depression. This involves talking to a professional about the problems you're experiencing. You could be prescribed medication to improve your mood. There are many different kinds of psychotherapy. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy, which aids you change negative attitudes and behaviors, and interpersonal therapy, which is focused on your relationships. There are group therapies that bring people with 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 in greater percentages than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been trying to get medical benefits, housing benefits and education benefits for more than 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 claims that racial bias in the justice system for military personnel impacted the discharge status of many Black service members, and VA officials should have recognized this when making decisions regarding disability compensation. It cites a research study that found that between 2001 and 2020 the average rate of denial for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5%, compared to 24.2 percent for white libertyville veterans disability law firm.