Veterans Disability Lawsuit – How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit
For many veterans who suffer from disabilities due to their military service, a disability lawsuit might be the answer. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to those who been in the military, including medical care and specialty programs.
According to a lawsuit filed on Monday, Black Rapid City Veterans Disability Law Firm 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 develop when people are traumatized. Symptoms may include panic, nightmares, flashbacks or other symptoms that are disturbing. The condition can cause people to avoid certain locations or situations that remind them 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, medication and support from loved ones.
A new lawsuit jointly filed by Black veterans and Yale law clinics found that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims made by Black veterans repeatedly over the course of decades. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower informed the veterans that VA documents showed that Black veterans were denied benefits at a higher percentage than their white counterparts.
The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley Monk and Yale’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites statistics showing that between 2001 to 2020, the rejection rate for Black glen rock veterans disability law firm who filed disability claims was rejected at 29.5% compared to only 24.2 percent of white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for Monk and Black veterans who were wrongfully denied benefits. It also seeks to force the VA to reassess hundreds of other claims that were dismissed in error. The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI can be mild, moderate or serious and symptoms may become apparent or may develop in the hours or even weeks following the injury. Certain symptoms are physical (headache dizziness, fatigue and headache) and others are related to problems with memory and concentration, as well as emotional behavior. People with a TBI may also have trouble getting around or with balance and vision.
The brain injury from a TBI can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or a blow that is a blunt force or penetrating cut (such as from a bullet). The impact could cause the skull to break, causing bruising and bleeding of the brain inside the skull. The brain can expand and push against the skull, causing blood circulation. The injury can occur in the entire brain or just the lobe in which it is located.
Certain TBIs are classified as open, while others are closed. The classification is determined by whether or not the skull was fractured and whether the skull was opened or shut due to the impact. TBIs can vary in severity, ranging from a concussion all the way to a coma. People suffering from TBI are more at risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health issues. Certain studies suggest that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the chance of developing dementia and other movement issues in later life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD develops when people undergo a trauma. Symptoms can start at the time that the event has ended or even years later. They may include memory issues difficulties with concentration and sleep, a feeling of anger and irritability, and being easily frightened or jittery. Some people may feel depressed or suicidal. PTSD can cause issues at work, in relationships and at home. It can also cause alcohol or drug dependence.
Psychotherapy can treat symptoms such as eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can be beneficial for people suffering from PTSD. These medications can help control symptoms and make everyday activities easier.
Some research is investigating ways to prevent PTSD as well as examining the possibility that genes or the brain can affect the way a person reacts to trauma. Other studies are looking at how a normal response to stress transforms into PTSD and how to treat it before it becomes a problem.
It is crucial to visit an expert if you suffer from PTSD. It is important to address symptoms that interfere with your daily life such as difficulty getting along with others, or feeling frustrated and angry. Self-help is a great option for those suffering from PTSD. They may benefit from sharing their experiences during therapy, or performing relaxation exercises such as deep breathing and a rhythmic exercise. They may also benefit from being able to share their fears with a person they trust.
Depression
Depression is an illness that can bring on feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It can be treated through psychotherapy. It involves speaking with an expert therapist about the problems that are causing you problems. You could be prescribed medication to improve your mood. There are many different types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists you change your negative thoughts and behaviors while interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships. There are group therapy options that bring people suffering from similar conditions together in a supportive environment.
The lawsuit asserts that the VA has discriminated against Black veterans for years, by denying disability compensation claims at a higher rate 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 lawsuit is being filed by Yale Law School’s keene veterans disability attorney Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented in his successful effort 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 VA officials should have been aware of this when making decisions about disability compensation. The lawsuit refers to a study that found that, between 2001 and 2020, the average denial rate for Black veterans who applied to receive disability compensation was 29,5%, as opposed to 24,2% for white veterans.