Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a
Veterans Disability LawsuitA
veterans disability lawsuit could be a solution for many veterans who suffer from disabilities resulting from their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to those who served in the military, such as medical treatment and specialty programs.
According to a lawsuit filed Monday, Black veterans have disproportionately having a harder time getting these benefits. The Yale Law School Veterans Legal Services Clinic filed the suit on behalf of Conley M. Monk Jr.
PTSD
PTSD symptoms can manifest when traumatized people suffer. Symptoms include anxiety, nightmares or disturbing flashbacks. The condition may cause people to avoid certain places or situations that remind them of the trauma. This can cause individuals to feel isolated and depressed. 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 found that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims of Black veterans repeatedly over a long period of time. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower told the veterans that VA documents showed 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 data that show that between 2001 between 2001 and 2020, the average rate for Black veterans of disability claims was rejected at 29.5% compared to only 24.2% of white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for Monk and other Black veterans who were unfairly denied access to benefits. It is also seeking to force the VA to reassess the claims of thousands of other veterans who were dismissed in error. The lawsuit was filed in federal court this week.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe and symptoms can be immediately apparent or they may develop days or weeks after the injury. Some symptoms are physical (headache dizziness, fatigue and headache) and others are related to problems with memory, concentration, emotions or behavior. TBI patients might also experience trouble moving or having problems with balance and vision.
TBIs can be caused by a TBI when the brain is damaged as a result of an injury or bump to the head. It can be caused by the force of a blunt blow or a penetrating wound (such as an injury from a bullet). The impact can result in a skull fracture, which may lead to bleeding and swelling of the brain within the skull. The brain can expand and push against the skull, causing blood circulation. The injury could happen to the entire brain or in the lobe in which it is located.
Certain TBIs are classified as open and some are closed. The classification is based on whether the skull is fractured or not, and whether the skull was opened or closed by the impact. TBIs vary in severity, ranging from concussions to fatal coma. People who suffer from TBIs have a higher risk of developing depression and PTSD and other mental health issues. A few studies suggest that having several moderate to severe TBIs can increase the risk of dementia and movement disorders later in life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD is a condition that occurs after people suffer a trauma. The symptoms can begin as soon as the event is over, or years later. They may include memory problems trouble sleeping and concentrating, feelings of anger and irritability, and being easily startled or jittery. People may experience depression or suicidal. PTSD can cause problems at work, in the home and in relationships. It can also trigger alcohol or drug dependence.
Psychotherapy can help treat symptoms, such as eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants, such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are beneficial to some sufferers of PTSD. These medications can help reduce symptoms and aid in getting through everyday activities.
Some research is investigating ways to stop PTSD as well as examining the possibility that genes or the brain can affect the way a person reacts to a trauma. Researchers are studying the ways in which a normal response to stress could turn into PTSD and how it can be treated early.
If you suspect PTSD It is essential to consult a doctor. It is crucial to address the symptoms that hinder your daily routine, like difficulty relating to others, or being frustrated and angry. Self-help is a great option for some people with PTSD. They may benefit from discussing their experiences during therapy, or doing relaxation exercises such as deep breathing and a rhythmic exercise. They also benefit from sharing their anxieties with a trusted person.
The following are some of ways to reduce your risk:
Depression can trigger feelings of sadness or hopelessness. It can be treated using psychotherapy. It involves speaking with an expert therapist about the problems that are causing you problems. It may also include medication, which can help boost your mood. There are many different types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy aids you change negative thoughts and behavior, while interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships. There are also group therapies that bring patients with the same problem together in a calming and supportive environment.
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, a Vietnam War veteran who tried to access medical benefits including housing assistance, education and benefits for 50 years. The suit is being filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which represented Monk in his successful effort to reverse his less-than honorable military discharge due to PTSD and other injuries.
The lawsuit says that racial bias in the justice system for military personnel impacted the discharge status of a lot of Black service members and VA officials should have been aware of this when making decisions regarding disability compensation. The lawsuit cites a study which found that between 2001 and 2020, the average denial rate for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5 percent, compared with 24.2 percent for white veterans.