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 could be the solution. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, including medical care and special programs.

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

PTSD

When people experience trauma it can lead them to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms could include flashbacks, nightmares, or anxiety that are disturbing. This condition can cause people to avoid places or situations which trigger memories of their traumatic experience. This can cause a sense of isolation and depression. Therapy, medication, and support from family members can help treat PTSD.

A new lawsuit filed by Black veterans and a Yale law clinic has revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs has repeatedly denied disability compensation claims to Black veterans disability attorneys for years. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower revealed to the vets that VA documents revealed that Black veterans were denied benefits in a higher proportion than their white counterparts.

The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley Monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites figures showing that between 2001 between 2001 and 2020, the average rate for Black veterans who filed disability claims was rejected at 29.5 percent, as compared to 24.2 percent of white veterans.

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

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI symptoms may be apparent immediately or appear for days, hours or even weeks later. Some signs (headache dizziness, fatigue, headache) are physical, whereas others can include emotions, memory, concentration or behavior issues. TBI patients might also experience difficulties moving or with balance and vision.

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

Some TBIs are classified as open while others are closed. The classification is based on whether or not the skull has been broken and whether the skull was closed or opened by the impact. TBIs range in severity, from a concussion up to a death. Patients with TBIs are at an increased likelihood of developing depression and PTSD, as well as other mental health issues. Some research suggests that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the likelihood of developing dementia and other movement disorders later in life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that occurs when an individual experiences a trauma. Symptoms may appear immediately after the event, or may develop years later. Memory problems, trouble in sleeping and concentrating, feelings of anger or irritability, and being easily startled are some of the symptoms. People may experience depression or suicidal. PTSD can cause problems at work, at home, and even in relationships. It can also lead to alcohol or drug dependence.

The symptoms can be treated using psychotherapy, which includes eye movement desensitisation and processing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Some people suffering from PTSD benefit from taking antidepressants, such as selective serotonin receptor inhibitors or SNRIs. The medications help manage symptoms and make everyday activities more enjoyable.

Some research is exploring how to prevent PTSD as well as examining whether genes or the brain can affect the way a person reacts to trauma. Some researchers are looking at the ways in which a normal response to stress can turn into PTSD and how to treat it early.

If you suspect PTSD, it is important to seek out a medical professional. It is essential to address symptoms that interfere with your daily routine, like difficulty getting along with others, or feeling anger and frustrated. Self-help can be helpful for people suffering from PTSD. They may benefit from discussing their experiences in therapy or performing relaxation exercises such as deep breathing and rhythmic exercises. They may also gain from being able to share their fears with a trusted person.

The following are the ways to decrease your risk:

Depression is a condition that can cause feelings of sadness and despair. It can be treated with psychotherapy. It involves speaking with a therapist about the issues that are causing you problems. It may also include medication, veterans disability law firms which can help improve your mood. There are a variety of types of psychotherapy. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy, which helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors and interpersonal therapy, which focuses on your relationships. There are also group therapies that bring people with the same condition together in a safe and supportive setting.

The lawsuit alleges that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for decades by refusing disability claims at more than white veterans. It was filed on behalf of Conley Monk who is a Vietnam War veteran who tried to obtain medical benefits, housing assistance and education benefits for over 50 years. The lawsuit is being handled by Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented in his successful bid to reverse his less-than honorable discharge from the military because of PTSD and other injuries.

The lawsuit claims that racial discrimination in the military justice system impacted the discharge status of Black service members, and that VA officials should have known this prior to making decisions regarding disability compensation. It cites a study that discovered that between 2001 and 2020 the average rate of denial for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5 percent, compared with 24.2% for white veterans disability law firms.