The Most Common Veterans Disability Lawyers Mistake Every Beginner Makes

Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

A veterans disability lawsuit could be the answer for a large number of veterans suffering from disabilities resulting from their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, including medical treatment and special programs.

However, obtaining those benefits is disproportionately difficult for Black veterans disability attorney, as per the latest lawsuit filed on Monday. The Yale Law School Veterans Legal Services Clinic filed the suit on behalf of Conley M. Monk Jr.

PTSD

PTSD symptoms can develop when people are traumatized. The symptoms include nightmares, anxiety or disturbing flashbacks. This condition can cause a person avoid places or situations which trigger memories of their traumatic experience. This can cause individuals to feel isolated and depressed. Counseling, medication and support from family members can help in treating PTSD.

A lawsuit that was filed by Black veterans disability law firms and a Yale law clinic has revealed that the Department of Veterans Affairs has consistently denied disability compensation claims to Black vets for decades. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower told the veterans that VA documents revealed that Black veterans were denied benefits at a higher percentage than their white counterparts.

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

The lawsuit seeks damages for compensation for Monk and other Black veterans who were unfairly denied benefits. The lawsuit also seeks to oblige VA to review tens or thousands of other claims that were incorrectly denied. 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. Certain symptoms (headache dizziness, fatigue, headache) are physical, whereas others can include memory, concentration, emotion or behavior issues. TBI patients may also have difficulty moving or with balance and vision.

The brain injury 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 a penetrating injury (such as a bullet). The impact may cause the skull fracture, which can cause bleeding and bruises of the brain inside the skull. The brain may expand and push against the skull, causing blood circulation. The injury can occur in the entire brain or in the lobe in which it is located.

Some TBIs are classified as open while others are closed. The classification depends on whether the skull has been damaged or not, as well as whether the skull was closed or opened by the impact. TBIs can differ in severity from a concussion to coma. People with TBI are at a higher risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health issues. Research suggests that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the risk of developing dementia and movement problems in later years.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after the victim experiences trauma. The symptoms may manifest right after the event, or may develop years later. Memory problems, trouble concentrating and sleeping, feelings of anger or irritability as well as being easily scared are a few of the symptoms. Certain people may experience depression or suicidal thoughts. PTSD can cause issues at work, with relationships, and at home. It can also cause dependence, which includes alcohol or drugs.

Psychotherapy can treat symptoms like eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants, such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are beneficial for people suffering from PTSD. These medications can help control symptoms and make daily activities easier.

Some research is looking into ways to prevent PTSD and examining whether genes or the brain can affect a person's response to a trauma. Other researchers are looking into how a normal response to stress develops into PTSD and how to treat it before it becomes a problem.

If you suspect PTSD, it is important to seek out a medical professional. Any symptoms that impact your everyday life, like trouble getting along with others, or feeling angry or annoyed, should be addressed promptly. Certain people suffering from PTSD have the benefit of self-help which includes sharing their experiences in therapy or utilizing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or a rhythmic exercise. They may also benefit from being able to share their fears with a trusted individual.

Depression

Depression is an illness that can bring on feelings of sadness and despair. It can be treated using psychotherapy, which is the process of talking with an expert therapist about the problems which are causing you issues. You could also be prescribed medication to improve your mood. There are a variety of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy aids you to modify negative thoughts and behavior and focuses 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 in a higher proportion than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been battling to receive 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 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 in the military justice system affected the discharge status of Black service members and VA officials should've known this when making decisions about disability compensation. It cites research that found that between 2001 and 2020 the average denial rate for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5%, compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans.