Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

For a lot of veterans suffering from disabilities as a result of their military service, a veterans disability lawsuit may be the solution. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, including medical care and special programs.

However, getting those benefits isn't easy for Black veterans, according to the latest lawsuit filed on Monday. The suit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk Jr. by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic.

PTSD

PTSD symptoms can develop when someone is traumatized. Symptoms include anxiety, nightmares, or troubling flashbacks. The condition can cause people to avoid certain locations or situations that trigger the trauma. This can lead to isolation and depression. Therapy, medication, and support from family members can help treat PTSD.

A lawsuit that was filed jointly by Black veterans disability law firms 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. NPR's Quil Lawrence says that a whistleblower revealed to the veterans that VA internal documents show Black veterans were denied benefits more often than their white counterparts.

The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites figures showing that between 2001 and 2020, the percentage for Black veterans disability law firms of disability claims was rejected at 29.5 percent, compared to 24.2% of white veterans.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for Monk and other Black veterans who were unfairly denied benefits. The lawsuit also seeks to oblige VA to reassess tens of thousands of claims that were incorrectly denied. The lawsuit was filed in federal court this week.

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI can be mild, moderate or even severe and symptoms may become evident or develop in the hours or even weeks following the injury. Some of the symptoms are physical (headache, fatigue and dizziness) while others may be related to issues with memory and concentration, as well as emotional behavior. TBI patients may also experience problems with movement or balance and vision.

The brain's damage due to a TBI can be caused by a bump, a blow or jolt to the head whether it's from a force that is blunt or penetrating wound (such as from a bullet). The impact can cause the skull to break which can cause bleeding and bruising of the brain within the skull. The brain can then expand pushing against the skull and cutting off blood flow. The injury could happen to the entire brain, or only a specific lobe.

Some TBIs are classified as open while others are closed. The classification is based on whether or not the skull was fractured and whether or not the skull was opened or shut due to the impact. TBIs can vary in severity ranging from a concussion all the way to a being in a coma. People who suffer from TBIs have a higher chance of developing depression or PTSD and other mental health conditions. Certain studies suggest that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the risk of dementia and other movement disorders later in life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when an individual experiences a trauma. The symptoms can begin immediately after the event is over or even years later. They may include memory problems as well as difficulty sleeping and concentrating, feelings of anger and irritability, and being easily frightened or jittery. Some people may feel depressed or suicidal. Stress can cause issues at work, in relationships and at home. It can also cause addiction, such as alcohol or drugs.

Psychotherapy can treat symptoms like eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants, such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can be beneficial for some people with PTSD. The medications help manage symptoms and make daily activities more enjoyable.

A few studies are looking at ways to avoid PTSD. This includes examining how genes and the brain could influence a person's reaction to trauma. Other researchers are looking into how a normal stress response develops into PTSD and how to treat it before it becomes a problem.

It is crucial to visit a physician if you suffer from PTSD. symptoms that affect your everyday life, like difficulties in relating with others, or feeling angry or annoyed, should be addressed promptly. Self-help may be helpful for those suffering from PTSD. They may benefit from sharing their experiences during therapy, or engaging in relaxation exercises like deep breathing or a tempo-based exercise. They also benefit from being able to share their anxieties with someone they trust.

Depression

Depression is an illness that can trigger feelings of despair and sadness. It can be treated through psychotherapy, which is the process of talking with an experienced therapist about the issues that cause you stress. It may also involve medication that can help to improve your mood. There are a variety of types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you to change your negative thoughts and behaviors, while interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships. There are group therapies that bring people suffering from similar ailments together in a positive environment.

The lawsuit alleges that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for a long time by rejecting disability claims at more than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been fighting for medical benefits as well as housing and education benefits for more than 50 years. The suit was filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which represented Monk in his successful bid to reverse his less-than honorable military discharge due to PTSD and other injuries.

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