5 Lessons You Can Learn From Veterans Disability Lawyers
Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit
A veterans disability lawsuits 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 special programs.
However, getting those benefits is disproportionately difficult 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 someone is traumatized it can lead them to develop symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms can include anxiety, nightmares, or frightening flashbacks. The condition can make an individual to avoid certain situations or places that bring back memories of their trauma experience. This can lead to depression and isolation. Counseling, medication and the support from family members can help in treating PTSD.
A new lawsuit filed jointly by Black veterans 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. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower told the vets that VA documents revealed that Black veterans were denied benefits at a higher rate 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 rate for Black veterans who filed disability claims was rejected at 29.5 percent, compared to 24.2 percent of white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damage for Monk and Black veterans who were unfairly denied benefits. The lawsuit also seeks to for the VA to review tens of thousands of claims that were denied in error. The lawsuit was filed in federal court this week.
Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI can be mild, moderate or even severe and symptoms may become visible or they may appear hours or even weeks after the injury. Some symptoms (headache dizziness, headache, fatigue) are physical, whereas others could be related to memory, concentration, emotion or behavioral issues. People suffering from a TBI may also experience difficulty moving around or with balance and vision.
The brain damage caused by a TBI can be caused through a hit, bump or jolt to the head regardless of whether it was caused by a sharp force or penetrating cut (such as from a gun). The impact may cause the skull to break and cause bleeding and bruising of the brain inside the skull. The brain may expand and press against the skull, cutting off blood circulation. The injury could occur throughout the entire brain or just the lobe in which it is located.
Some TBIs can be classified as closed, and others as open. The classification is based on whether or not the skull has been broken and whether or not the skull was open or closed by the impact. TBIs differ in severity, from a concussion up to a death. People with TBI are at greater risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health issues. Some research suggests that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the risk of dementia and movement disorders later on in life.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, develops after people suffer a trauma. The symptoms may manifest right after the event, or may develop years later. Memory problems, trouble getting sleep and concentrating, or feelings of anger or irritability as well as being easily shocked are some of the symptoms. Certain people may be depressed or suicidal. PTSD can cause issues at work, in relationships and at home. It can also cause addiction, including alcohol or drugs.
Psychotherapy can treat symptoms like eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Some sufferers of PTSD benefit from taking antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. The medications can help manage the symptoms and make it easier to get through daily activities.
Some studies explore ways to prevent PTSD. This involves examining whether genes and the brain may influence a person's reaction to a trauma. Others are investigating how a normal stress response changes into PTSD and how to treat it early.
It is important to see your doctor if you suffer from PTSD. It is essential to address issues that affect your daily life such as difficulty in getting along with others, or being annoyed and frustrated. Some people with PTSD require self-help methods, such as sharing their experiences in therapy or practicing methods of relaxation, such as deep breathing or a rhythmic exercise. They may also benefit from sharing their fears with a trusted individual.
Depression
Depression can lead to feelings of despair or sadness. Psychotherapy is a method to combat depression. It involves speaking with an expert about the issues you're experiencing. You could be prescribed medication to help improve your mood. There are numerous types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy aids you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors and focuses on relationships. There are group therapy options that bring people suffering from similar conditions together in a supportive environment.
The lawsuit alleges that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for decades by refusing disability claims in more than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been trying to obtain medical benefits in the form of housing, educational and medical benefits for more than 50 years. The lawsuit is being filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented in his successful bid to overturn his less-than-honorable military discharge due to PTSD and other injuries.
The lawsuit claims that racial discrimination in 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. The lawsuit cites a study which 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% for white veterans.
