Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit
For many
veterans disability attorneys suffering from disabilities resulting from their military service, a disability
lawsuit may be the answer. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, such as medical care and special programs.
According to a lawsuit filed on Monday, Black
veterans disability law firm 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
When someone is traumatized, it can cause them to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms include nightmares, anxiety, or disturbing flashbacks. The condition can also cause a person to avoid certain places or situations that bring back memories of the traumatic event. This can cause a sense of depression and isolation. The good news is that PTSD can be treated with the help of counseling and medication as well as the support of loved ones.
A new lawsuit jointly filed by Black veterans and the Yale law clinics has revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims made by Black veterans consistently over the course of decades. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower told 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. It cites data showing that between 2001 and 2020, the rejection rate for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, compared with 24.2% for white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks to recover compensation for Monk and Black veterans who were denied benefits unfairly. It also aims to force the VA to reconsider the thousands of other claims that were wrongly dismissed. The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Wednesday.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe and symptoms may be instantly visible or they may appear in the hours or even weeks following the injury. Some signs (headache dizziness, headache, fatigue) are physical, whereas others may be related to memory, concentration, emotion or behavior problems. TBI patients may also have difficulties moving or with vision and balance.
TBIs can be caused by TBIs can be caused by TBI when the brain is damaged from a bump or blow to the head. This can occur from an impact that is sharp or a penetrating injury (such as shooting). The impact could cause skull fracture, which may result in bleeding and bruises of the brain inside the skull. The brain may swell and press against the skull, cutting off blood circulation. The injury could affect the entire brain or a specific lobe of the brain.
Some TBIs can be classified as closed while others as open. The classification is based on whether or not the skull was fractured and whether the skull was shattered or opened due to the impact. TBIs can vary in severity ranging from a concussion to being in a coma. People with TBIs are more at risk chance of developing depression and PTSD and other mental health issues. Some research suggests 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 (PTSD) is a condition that occurs when someone has suffered a trauma. The symptoms can manifest immediately following the event, or may develop years later. They may include memory problems as well as difficulty sleeping and concentrating, feelings of anger and irritability and being easily shocked or jumpy. Certain people may be depressed or suicidal. PTSD can create problems at work, home and even in relationships. It can also lead to addiction, including alcohol or drugs.
Symptoms can be treated with psychotherapy, which includes eye movement desensitisation and processing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants like selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are beneficial for those suffering from PTSD. These medications can help control symptoms and make everyday activities easier.
A few studies are looking at ways to avoid PTSD. This includes studying whether genes and the brain can influence the way a person reacts to a trauma. Some researchers are investigating the ways in which a normal response to stress can develop into PTSD, and how it can be treated early.
It is important to see an expert if you suffer from PTSD. The symptoms that hinder your everyday life, like difficulty relating to others, or feeling angry or upset need to be addressed immediately. Certain people suffering from PTSD can benefit from self-help techniques by discussing their experiences in therapy or using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or a rhythmic exercise. They may also gain from being able share their fears with a trusted individual.
The following are the ways to reduce your risk:
Depression is a condition that can cause feelings of despair and sadness. Psychotherapy is one option to treat depression. This involves talking with a professional about the problems you are experiencing. You could also be prescribed medication to help improve your mood. There are several different types of psychotherapy. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy, which aids to change negative attitudes and behaviors and interpersonal therapy which is focused on your relationships. There are also group therapies that bring people with similar conditions together in a supportive environment.
The lawsuit claims that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for decades by refusing disability claims at 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 was filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which represented Monk in his successful fight to rescind his less-than-honorable discharge due to PTSD and other injuries.
The lawsuit claims that racial discrimination within the military justice system affected the discharge status of Black service members, and that VA officials should have known this when making decisions about disability compensation. It cites a research study that discovered that between 2001 and the year 2020, the average rate of denial for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5%, compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans.
