How Veterans Disability Lawyers Became The Hottest Trend In 2023

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 due to their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, including medical care and programs for veterans.

However, obtaining those benefits is a lot more difficult for Black veterans, according to a new 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 manifest in people who have been traumatized. The symptoms include anxiety, nightmares or frightening flashbacks. This condition can cause an individual to avoid certain areas or situations that remind them of their traumatic experience. This can lead to isolation and depression. The good news is that PTSD can be treated with the help of counseling and medication as well as the support of loved ones.

A new lawsuit brought by Black veterans and a Yale law clinic has revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs has repeatedly denied disability compensation claims to Black veterans for decades. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower informed the veterans that VA documents showed that Black veterans were denied benefits in a higher proportion than white veterans.

The lawsuit was brought by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley Monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites data that show that between 2001 between 2001 and 2020, the average rate for Black veterans disability law firms who filed disability claims was rejected at 29.5 percent, as compared to 24.2 percent of white veterans.

The lawsuit seeks damages for compensation for Monk and other Black veterans disability lawsuits who were denied access to benefits. The lawsuit also seeks to force VA to review tens or thousands of claims that were wrongly denied. The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Wednesday.

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI can be mild, moderate or severe and symptoms may be immediately visible or they may appear days or weeks after the injury. Certain symptoms (headache dizziness, headache) are physical, whereas others may include emotional, memory, concentration or behavior problems. People with TBI may experience problems with their emotions, concentration, or even behavior. TBI may also have trouble moving around, or have problems with balance and vision.

The brain's damage caused by a TBI can be caused by a blow, bump or jolt to the head whether from a blunt force or a penetrating wound (such as from a gun). The impact can cause skull fracture, which could lead to bleeding and bruises of the brain inside the skull. The brain may swell and push against the skull, causing blood circulation. The injury could happen to the entire brain or one particular lobe.

Certain TBIs are classified as open, while others are closed. The classification is determined by whether or not the skull has been fractured and whether the skull was opened or shut by the impact. TBIs differ in severity, ranging from concussions up to coma. Patients with TBIs are at an increased risk of developing depression and PTSD as well as other mental health problems. A few studies suggest that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs may increase the risk of developing dementia and movement problems in later years.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after an individual experiences a trauma. The symptoms may manifest right after the event, or may develop years later. Memory problems, difficulty getting sleep and concentrating, or feelings of anger or irritability and being easily scared are a few of the symptoms. Some people may have suicidal or depression-related thoughts. PTSD can cause issues at workplace, in relationships and at home. It can also cause alcohol or drug addiction.

Psychotherapy can be used to treat symptoms like eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are beneficial for those suffering from PTSD. The medications can help manage the symptoms and help you get through everyday tasks.

Some studies explore ways to prevent PTSD. This involves examining whether the brain and genes influence a person's reaction to a trauma. Others are exploring the ways in which a normal stress response changes into PTSD and how to treat it early.

If you suspect PTSD It is vital to seek out a medical professional. Symptoms that interfere with daily life, such as difficulties getting along with other people or feeling angry and irritable must be addressed quickly. Self-help may be helpful for people suffering from PTSD. They may benefit from sharing their experiences during therapy or practicing relaxation exercises like deep breathing and a rhythmic exercise. They can also benefit by being able to share their fears with a trusted individual.

Depression

Depression can lead to feelings of despair or sadness. It can be treated through psychotherapy, which involves speaking with an expert therapist about the problems that cause you stress. You could also be prescribed medication to help improve your mood. There are a variety of types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors while interpersonal therapy is focused on relationships. There are also group therapies that bring people with the same condition together in a calming and supportive environment.

The lawsuit asserts that the VA has discriminated against Black veterans for years, by disproportionately rejecting disability compensation claim at a higher rate than white veterans. It was filed on behalf of Conley Monk who is an Vietnam War veteran who tried to gain access to medical benefits as well as housing assistance and education benefits for 50 years. The lawsuit is being filed by Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented in his successful attempt to overturn his less-than-honorable military discharge because of PTSD and other injuries.

The lawsuit asserts that racial discrimination in the justice system of the military affected the discharge status of a lot of Black service members, and VA officials should have been aware this when they made decision-making regarding disability compensation. It cites research that found that between 2001 and the year 2020, the average rate of denial for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5%, compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans.