20 Things That Only The Most Devoted Veterans Disability Lawyers Fans Should Know

Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

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

However, obtaining those benefits is particularly difficult for Black veterans, according to a lawsuit filed on Monday. The Yale Law School Veterans Legal Services Clinic filed the suit on behalf of Conley M. Monk Jr.

PTSD

When someone is traumatized it may cause them to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms could include flashbacks, nightmares or anxiety that are disturbing. This condition can make people to avoid places or situations that are reminiscent of their painful experience. This can cause isolation and depression. The good news is that PTSD can be managed with counseling, medication and support from family members.

A lawsuit that was filed by Black veterans and a Yale law clinic has revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs has been systematically denying disability compensation claims to Black veterans for decades. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower informed the veterans disability attorney that VA documents revealed that Black veterans disability lawyer were denied benefits in a higher proportion than white veterans.

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 and 2020, the percentage for Black veterans' disability claims was rejected at 29.5 percent compared to 24.2 percent of white veterans.

The lawsuit seeks to recover compensation for Monk and Black veterans who were wrongfully denied benefits. It is also seeking to force the VA to review hundreds of other claims that were wrongly dismissed. The lawsuit was filed in federal court earlier this week.

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI symptoms can be present immediately or appear for days, hours or even weeks later. Certain symptoms (headache dizziness, headache, fatigue) are physical, whereas others can include memory, concentration, emotion or behavioral issues. TBI patients may also experience trouble moving or having problems with vision and balance.

The brain injury from a TBI can be caused by a blow, bump or jolt to the head or a blow that is a blunt force or a penetrating wound (such as from a bullet). The impact may cause the skull to fracture, causing bruising and bleeding of the brain inside the skull. The brain may then swell, pushing against the skull and cutting off blood flow. The injury could occur throughout the entire brain, or only a specific lobe.

Certain TBIs can be classified as closed while others as open. The classification is based on whether the skull has been damaged or not, as well as whether the skull was opened or closed due to the impact. TBIs range in severity, ranging from concussions all the way to fatal coma. Patients with TBIs are at a higher chance of developing depression and 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 in life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that occurs when a person experiences a trauma. The symptoms can start as soon as the event ends and continue for a long time. Memory issues, trouble getting sleep and concentrating, or feelings of anger or irritability as well as being easily scared are a few of the signs. There are some who suffer from depression or suicidal ideas. PTSD can create problems at work, home, and even in relationships. It can also cause dependence, which includes alcohol or drug.

Psychotherapy can be used to treat symptoms like eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants like selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can be beneficial for people suffering from PTSD. The medications help manage symptoms and make daily activities easier.

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 a trauma. Researchers are studying how a normal response to stress may turn into PTSD, and how it can be treated early.

It is crucial to visit a doctor if you have PTSD. It is important to address issues that impact your daily life such as difficulty getting along with other people, or feeling annoyed and frustrated. Self-help is a great option for those suffering from PTSD. They may benefit from sharing their experiences in therapy or engaging in relaxation exercises like deep breathing and rhythmic exercises. They may also benefit from being able to share their fears with someone they trust.

Depression

Depression is a condition that can lead to feelings of despair and sadness. Psychotherapy is one way to manage depression. This involves talking to a professional about the problems you are experiencing. There may also be medications that can help lift your mood. There are many different kinds of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which aids you change negative behavior and thoughts and interpersonal therapy, which is focused on your relationships. There are also group therapies that bring people suffering from similar conditions together in a positive environment.

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

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