5 Clarifications On Veterans Disability Lawyers

Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

For many veterans suffering from disabilities caused by their military service, a disability lawsuit might be the solution. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, including medical care and special programs.

However, obtaining those benefits isn't easy for Black veterans, according to a new lawsuit filed on Monday. The Yale Law School Veterans Legal Services Clinic filed the suit on behalf of Conley M. Monk Jr.

PTSD

When people experience trauma, it can 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 also cause a person to avoid certain places or situations that remind them of the trauma. This can lead people to feel lonely and depressed. The good news is that PTSD can be treated with counseling and medication as well as the support of loved ones.

A lawsuit that was filed jointly by Black veterans and the Yale law clinic found that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims of Black vets systematically over decades. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower told the veterans that VA documents showed that Black veterans were denied benefits at a higher rate than their white counterparts.

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

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damage for Monk and Black veterans who were wrongfully denied benefits. The lawsuit also seeks to make VA to review tens of thousands of other claims that were incorrectly denied. The lawsuit was filed in federal court earlier this week.

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI symptoms can be acute or appear for days, hours or even weeks later. Certain symptoms (headache, dizziness, fatigue) are physical, while others may be related to memory, concentration, emotion or behavior problems. TBI patients may also have trouble moving or having problems with vision and balance.

TBIs can be caused by the occurrence of a TBI when the brain is damaged from the impact of a bump or a blow to the head. This could result from an impact that is sharp or from a penetrating injury (such as a bullet). The impact may cause the skull fracture, which may result in bleeding and bruising of the brain within the skull. The brain then may swell pushing against the skull and cutting off blood flow. The injury may occur in the entire brain or in the lobe in which it is located.

Certain TBIs are classified as open and some are closed. The classification depends on whether the skull has been damaged or not, as well as whether the skull was opened or closed by the impact. TBIs vary in severity, ranging from a concussion up to a death. People who suffer from TBI are more at risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions. Some research suggests that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs may increase the risk of developing dementia and movement disorders later in life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after an individual experiences a trauma. The symptoms can begin as soon as the event ends, or years later. Memory problems, difficulty in sleeping and concentrating, feelings of anger or irritability, and being easily triggered are a few of the signs. People may experience depression or suicidal. PTSD can cause problems at work, with relationships, and at home. It can also lead alcohol or drug addiction.

Psychotherapy can help treat symptoms, such as eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants, such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can be beneficial for some people with PTSD. Medications help to control symptoms and make everyday activities easier.

Certain studies examine ways to prevent PTSD. This includes studying whether genes and the brain may influence the way a person reacts to a trauma. Some researchers are investigating how a normal reaction to stress can develop into PTSD and how to treat it early.

If you suspect PTSD It is vital to see a doctor. symptoms that affect your daily life, such as difficulties getting along with others or feeling angry and annoyed, should be addressed promptly. Self-help can be helpful for those suffering from PTSD. They may benefit from sharing their experiences in therapy, or performing relaxation exercises such as deep breathing and rhythmic exercise. They also benefit from sharing their fears with a person they trust.

Depression

Depression is a condition that can cause feelings of despair and sadness. Psychotherapy is one option to combat depression. It involves speaking with a professional about the problems you are experiencing. You may be prescribed medication to help improve your mood. There are many types of psychotherapy. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy, which aids to change negative beliefs and habits and interpersonal therapy, which concentrates on your relationships. There are also group therapies that bring people with similar conditions together in a supportive atmosphere.

The lawsuit claims that the VA has discriminated against Black veterans for decades through a disproportionate refusal of disability compensation claims at a higher percentage than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been fighting for medical benefits in the form of housing, educational and medical benefits for more than 50 years. The suit was filed by Yale Law School's veterans disability law firms Legal Services Clinic, which represented Monk in his successful fight to reverse his less-than honorable military discharge 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 VA officials should have been aware of this when deciding on disability compensation. It cites research that found that between 2001 and 2020 the average rate of denial for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5 percent, compared with 24.2% for white veterans.