Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

A veterans disability lawsuit could be a solution for many veterans suffering from disabilities as a result of their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to those who have served in the military, including medical care and special programs.

According to a lawsuit filed Monday, Black veterans have disproportionately more trouble receiving 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 traumatized people suffer. Symptoms include anxiety, nightmares or disturbing flashbacks. This condition can cause people to avoid places or situations which trigger memories of their traumatic experience. This can lead to isolation and depression. Therapy, medication, and support from family members can help treat PTSD.

A new lawsuit filed jointly by Black veterans and the Yale law clinics found that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims made by Black veterans repeatedly over the course of decades. NPR's Quil Lawrence reports that a whistleblower told the veterans that VA internal documents showed Black veterans were more often denied benefits than white veterans disability lawyer.

The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley Monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit refers to statistics that show that between 2001 to 2020, the rejection rate for Black veterans with disability claims was rejected at 29.5 percent compared to 24.2% of white veterans.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for Monk and other Black veterans who were denied benefits. The lawsuit also seeks to for the VA to reassess tens of thousands of other claims that were denied in error. The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court.

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe and symptoms may be instantly visible or they may appear hours or even weeks after the injury. Some of the symptoms are physical (headache dizziness, fatigue and headache) and others are related to problems with memory and concentration, as well as emotional behavior. TBI patients may also have difficulty moving or with vision and balance.

TBIs can result from an TBI if the brain is damaged by a bump or blow to the head. This can happen due to an impact that is sharp or from a penetrating injury (such as an injury from a bullet). The impact could cause skull fracture, which may lead to bleeding and bruises of the brain inside the skull. The brain may swell and press against the skull, causing blood circulation. The injury can occur in the entire brain or in a specific lobe.

Some TBIs are classified as open, while others are closed. The classification is determined by the extent to which the skull has been fractured and whether or not the skull was opened or shut by the impact. TBIs range in severity, ranging from concussions up to fatal coma. Patients with TBIs have a higher chance of developing depression or PTSD and other mental health issues. A few studies suggest that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs can increase the risk of dementia and movement disorders later on in life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD is the result of having to experience a trauma. Symptoms may appear immediately after the event or even years after. They may include memory problems difficulties with concentration and sleep, a feeling of anger and irritability, and being easily frightened or jumpy. Certain people may be depressed or suicidal. PTSD can cause issues at work, in relationships, and at home. It can also lead to addiction, including alcohol or drugs.

It is possible to treat symptoms with 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. These medications can help reduce symptoms and make it easier to get through everyday activities.

Some research is looking into ways to stop PTSD by examining whether genes or the brain can influence a person's response 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.

It is vital to see a doctor if you have PTSD. It is essential to deal with symptoms that interfere with your daily life, such as difficulty in getting along with others, or feeling annoyed and frustrated. Self-help can be beneficial for some people with PTSD. They could benefit from discussing their experiences during therapy or engaging in relaxation exercises like deep breathing and a rhythmic exercise. They may also benefit from being able to talk about their anxieties with someone they trust.

Depression

Depression is a condition that can cause feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It can be treated through psychotherapy. It involves speaking with an expert therapist about the problems which are causing you issues. It may also involve medications that can help lift your mood. There are numerous types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy aids you change negative thoughts and behavior while interpersonal therapy is focused on relationships. There are also group therapies that bring people suffering from similar conditions together in a supportive atmosphere.

The lawsuit claims that the VA has discriminated against Black veterans for decades, by rejecting disability compensation claims at a higher percentage than white veterans. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk who was who is a Vietnam War veteran who tried to access medical benefits as well as housing assistance and education benefits for over 50 years. The suit is being filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which represented Monk in his successful attempt to reverse his less-than honorable military discharge due to PTSD and other injuries.

The lawsuit asserts that racial discrimination in the military justice system impacted the discharge status of Black service members, and that VA officials should've known this when deciding on 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 percent, compared with 24.2 percent for white veterans.