Five Things You re Not Sure About About Veterans Disability Lawyers

Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

A veterans disability lawsuit could be the answer for many veterans who suffer from disabilities resulting from their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, such as medical care and programs for veterans.

However, obtaining those benefits is a lot more difficult for Black veterans disability attorneys, 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 people experience trauma it can lead them to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms could include anxiety, nightmares or flashbacks that cause anxiety. This condition can cause people to avoid places or situations that bring back memories of their trauma experience. This can cause depression and isolation. Counseling, medication, and support from family members can combat PTSD.

A lawsuit that was filed jointly by Black veterans and Yale law clinics revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs denied disability compensation claims of Black vets systematically over decades. NPR's Quil Lawrence reports that a whistleblower informed the veterans that VA internal documents show Black veterans were more often denied benefits than white veterans.

The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley Monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites data that shows that from 2001 to 2020, the rate of rejection for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, as compared to 24.2% for white veterans.

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

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI symptoms may be apparent immediately or develop hours, days or even weeks later. Some of the symptoms are physical (headache fatigue, dizziness and headache) while others include problems with memory and concentration, as well as emotional behavior. People with TBI TBI might also have difficulty getting around or with balance and vision.

The damage to the brain due to a TBI can be caused by a blow, bump or jolt to the head regardless of whether it was caused by a sharp force or penetrating cut (such as from a shot). The impact could cause skull fracture, which can cause bleeding and swelling of the brain within the skull. The brain could then swell pushing against the skull and reducing blood flow. The injury may affect the whole brain or a specific lobe of the brain.

Some TBIs can be classified as closed, and others as open. The classification is determined by whether or not the skull has been broken and whether the skull was open or closed by the impact. TBIs differ in severity, ranging from a concussion up to a death. Patients with TBI are at increased risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health issues. Research suggests that having several 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, or PTSD, develops after people are traumatized. The symptoms may manifest right after the incident or a few years later. They could include memory problems, difficulty getting sleep and concentrating, feelings of anger and irritability, and being easily startled or jumpy. Some people may experience depression or suicidal thoughts. Stress can cause issues at work, with relationships, and at home. It can also lead to alcohol or drug addiction.

Psychotherapy can treat symptoms, such as eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Certain people suffering from PTSD benefit from taking antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. The medications help manage symptoms and make daily activities easier.

Some research is exploring how to stop PTSD as well as examining whether genes or the brain can influence a person's response to a 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. The symptoms that hinder your everyday life, like difficulties in relating with others, or feeling angry or annoyed should be addressed immediately. Self-help may be helpful for some people with PTSD. They could benefit from talking about their experiences during therapy, or engaging in relaxation exercises like deep breathing and rhythmic exercises. They may also benefit from sharing their anxieties with a trusted person.

Depression

Depression can bring feelings of sadness or hopelessness. It can be treated through psychotherapy, which involves speaking with a therapist about the issues which are causing you issues. You may be prescribed medication to improve your mood. There are several different types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, which aids you change negative beliefs and habits and interpersonal therapy, which focuses on your relationships. There are also group therapies that bring people with similar conditions together in a supportive environment.

The lawsuit claims that the VA has discriminated against Black veterans for years, through a disproportionate refusal of disability compensation claims in a higher proportion than white veterans disability lawsuits. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk who is a Vietnam War veteran who tried to obtain medical benefits including housing assistance, education and benefits for the past 50 years. The lawsuit was filed by Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented in his successful attempt to rescind his unhonorable military discharge because of PTSD and other injuries.

The lawsuit claims that racial bias within the military justice system affected the discharge status of a lot of Black service members and VA officials should have recognized this when making the decisions on disability compensation. The lawsuit cites research that found that, between 2001 and 2020, the average denial rate of Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29,5% compared with 24,2 percent for white veterans.