Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

A veterans disability lawsuit could be the answer for many veterans suffering from disabilities due to their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to those who been in the military, including medical treatment and specialty programs.

According to a lawsuit filed Monday, Black veterans have disproportionately more difficulty getting these benefits. The Yale Law School Veterans Legal Services Clinic filed the suit on behalf of Conley M. Monk Jr.

PTSD

If someone experiences trauma they may be prone to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms may include panic, nightmares, flashbacks or other symptoms that cause anxiety. The condition can also cause a person to avoid certain locations or situations that bring back memories of the trauma. This can cause a sense of isolation and depression. Counseling, medication and the support from family members can treat PTSD.

A new lawsuit brought jointly by Black veterans and Yale law clinics found that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims for Black veterans repeatedly over a long period of time. NPR's Quil Lawrence says that a whistleblower revealed to the vets that VA internal documents revealed that Black veterans were more often denied benefits 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 rejection rate for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans.

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

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI symptoms may be apparent immediately or develop hours, days or even weeks later. Some symptoms are physical (headache fatigue, dizziness and headache) and others are related to problems with memory and concentration, emotional or behavior. TBI patients may also have difficulties moving or with balance and vision.

TBIs can be caused by a TBI if the brain is injured by an injury or bump to the head. It can be caused by an injury that is blunt or a penetrating trauma (such as an injury from a bullet). The impact can result in a skull fracture, which could lead to bleeding and bleeding of the brain within the skull. The brain can then expand and push against the skull, causing a cut in blood flow. The injury may occur in the entire brain or just a specific lobe.

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

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that occurs when an individual experiences a trauma. The symptoms can manifest immediately following the event or even years after. They may include memory problems as well as difficulty sleeping and concentrating, feelings of anger and irritability and being easily frightened or jittery. People may experience depression or suicidal. PTSD can cause problems at work, at home, and even in relationships. It can also lead alcohol or drug addiction.

Symptoms can be treated with psychotherapy, including eye movements desensitisation and processing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants like selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are beneficial for those suffering from PTSD. The medication helps to manage symptoms and make everyday activities more enjoyable.

Some research examines how to avoid PTSD. This includes studying whether the brain and genes influence a person's reaction to a trauma. Others are exploring how a normal response to stress transforms into PTSD and how to treat it early.

It is vital to see a doctor if you have PTSD. It is crucial to address symptoms that interfere with your daily life, such as difficulty in getting along with others, or feeling annoyed and frustrated. Certain people with PTSD benefit from self-help by discussing their experiences in therapy or utilizing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or doing a thumping exercise. They may also gain from being able share their fears with a trusted individual.

Depression

Depression can lead to feelings of sadness or hopelessness. It can be treated using psychotherapy. It involves speaking with an therapist about the issues that are causing your problems. You could also be prescribed medication to help improve your mood. There are several different types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you overcome negative behavior and thoughts and interpersonal therapy, which is focused on your relationships. There are group therapies which bring people who have similar issues together in a supportive environment.

The lawsuit asserts that the VA has discriminated against Black veterans for years, by denying disability compensation claims in a higher proportion than white veterans. It was filed on behalf of Conley Monk, who is a Vietnam War veteran who tried to get medical benefits including housing assistance, education and benefits for over 50 years. The suit was filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which represented Monk in his successful bid to reverse his less than honorable military discharge due to PTSD and other injuries.

The lawsuit asserts that racial bias in the military justice system affected the discharge status of many Black service members, and VA officials should have been aware this when making the decisions on disability compensation. The lawsuit cites a study which found that between 2001 and the year 2020, the average denial rate for Black veterans disability lawyer who applied for disability compensation was 29.5 percent, compared with 24.2% for white veterans.