Veterans Disability Lawsuit – How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit
For many veterans suffering from disabilities resulting from their military service, a disability lawsuit could be the answer. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, such as medical care and programs for veterans.
However, obtaining those benefits is disproportionately difficult for Black veterans, according to a new lawsuit filed on Monday. The suit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk Jr. by Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic.
PTSD
When people experience trauma it may cause them to develop symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms could include flashbacks, nightmares, or anxiety that are disturbing. The condition may cause people to avoid certain locations or situations that bring back memories of the trauma. This can cause 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 family members.
A new lawsuit filed by Black veterans and a Yale law clinic has found that the Department of Veterans Affairs has repeatedly denied disability compensation claims to Black vets for decades. NPR’s Quil Lawrence reports that a whistleblower informed the vets that VA internal documents revealed that Black veterans were more often denied benefits than white meriden veterans disability lawsuit.
The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley Monk and Yale’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic. It cites data showing that from 2001 to 2020 the rejection rate for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, compared with 24.2 percent for white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for Monk and other Black veterans who were unfairly denied access to benefits. The lawsuit also seeks to force VA to reassess tens of thousands of claims that were incorrectly denied. The lawsuit was filed in federal court earlier this week.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe and symptoms can be immediately apparent or may develop hours or even weeks after the injury. Some symptoms are physical (headache, fatigue and dizziness) and others are related to problems with memory, concentration, emotions or behavior. People suffering from TBI may experience problems with their emotions, concentration, or even behavior. TBI might also have difficulty getting around or with balance and vision.
TBIs can result from an TBI when the brain is damaged by a blow or bump to the head. It can be caused by a blunt force, or from a penetrating injury (such as an injury from a bullet). The impact could cause the skull to break and cause bleeding and bruising of the brain within the skull. The brain may expand and push against the skull, causing blood circulation. The injury could be affecting the entire brain or a specific area of the brain.
Certain TBIs are classified as open, while others are closed. The classification is dependent on whether or not the skull was fractured and whether or not the skull was shattered or opened due to the impact. TBIs range in severity, from a concussion up to a death. People with TBI are at a higher risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health issues. Certain studies suggest that having several moderate to severe TBIs could 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 may manifest right after the event, or may develop years later. They may include memory issues difficulties getting sleep and concentrating, feelings of anger and irritability and being easily frightened or jumpy. There are some who be depressed or have suicidal thoughts. PTSD can cause issues at workplace, in relationships and at home. It can also lead to alcohol or drug addiction.
The symptoms can be treated using psychotherapy, including eye movements desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants, such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are beneficial for people suffering from PTSD. Medications help to control symptoms and make daily activities more enjoyable.
Some research is looking into ways to prevent PTSD as well as examining whether genes or the brain may affect a person’s reaction to trauma. Others are exploring the ways in which a normal stress response develops into PTSD and how to treat it earlier.
If you suspect PTSD If you suspect PTSD, it is crucial to speak with a doctor. The symptoms that hinder your daily life, such as difficulties getting along with others, or feeling angry or irritable, should be addressed promptly. Self-help can be helpful for some people with PTSD. They may benefit from talking about their experiences in therapy or doing relaxation exercises such as deep breathing and rhythmic exercise. They can also benefit from being able to talk about their anxieties with someone they trust.
Depression
Depression can trigger feelings of despair or sadness. Psychotherapy is a method to treat depression. This involves talking with an expert about the issues you are experiencing. It could also involve medication, which can improve your mood. There are many different types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you change your negative thoughts and behaviors, while interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships. There are group therapies that bring people with similar conditions together in a positive environment.
The lawsuit alleges that the VA discriminated against Black veterans for decades by refusing disability claims at an increased rate than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been trying to get medical benefits in the form of housing, educational and medical benefits for more than 50 years. The lawsuit is being handled by Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented in his successful attempt to overturn his less-than-honorable discharge from the military due to PTSD and other injuries.
The lawsuit asserts that racial discrimination within the military justice system affected the discharge status of Black service members, and that VA officials should have known this prior to making decisions regarding disability compensation. The lawsuit cites a study which discovered that between 2001 and the year 2020, the average rate of denial for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5 percent, compared with 24.2 percent for Vimeo white gainesville veterans disability law firm.