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Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

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

However, getting those benefits is disproportionately difficult for Black veterans, as per 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

PTSD symptoms can manifest when people are traumatized. Symptoms include anxiety, nightmares or disturbing flashbacks. The condition can cause people to avoid certain locations or situations that remind them of the traumatic event. This can cause a sense of isolation and depression. Counseling, medication and the support from family members can help in treating PTSD.

A new lawsuit jointly filed by Black veterans and the Yale law clinics has revealed 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 informed the veterans that VA documents revealed 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 Disability lawyers Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites research that indicates that from 2001 until 2020, the rate of rejection for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, compared with 24.2% for white veterans.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for Monk and other Black veterans disability lawyers who were unfairly denied access to benefits. It is also seeking to force the VA to reassess the thousands of other claims that were incorrectly dismissed. The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court.

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI symptoms can be present immediately or manifest for days, hours or even weeks later. Certain symptoms are physical (headache fatigue, dizziness and headache) and others are related to problems with memory, concentration, emotions or behavior. People with TBI may experience problems with their emotions, concentration, or even behavior. TBI might also have difficulty moving around, or have problems with balance and vision.

TBIs can be caused by a TBI when the brain is injured by a bump or blow to the head. This can happen due to an impact that is sharp or a penetrating wound (such as a bullet). The impact could cause the skull to fracture and cause bleeding and bruising of the brain inside the skull. The brain can expand and press against the skull, cutting off blood circulation. The injury can occur in the entire brain or just one lobe.

Some TBIs are classified as open, while others are closed. The classification depends on whether the skull was fractured or not, and whether the skull was closed or opened due to the impact. TBIs range in severity, ranging from concussions up to insanity. Patients with TBI are at greater risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health issues. Research suggests that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs can increase the risk of dementia and movement disorders later on in life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD develops when people suffer a trauma. Symptoms may appear immediately after the event or even years after. They can include memory problems trouble with concentration and sleep, a feeling of anger and irritability, and being easily frightened or jumpy. Some people may have suicidal or depression-related thoughts. PTSD can create problems at work, in the home and in relationships. It can also lead alcohol or drug dependence.

Psychotherapy can be used to treat symptoms such as eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants like selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can be beneficial for those suffering from PTSD. These medications can help reduce symptoms and aid in getting through everyday activities.

Some research is exploring how to stop PTSD, including looking at whether the brain or genes can influence a person's response to a trauma. Some researchers are looking at how a normal response to stress could turn into PTSD, and how it can be treated early.

It is crucial to visit a physician if you suffer from PTSD. It is essential to deal with issues that affect your everyday life, such as difficulties in relating to others, or feeling angry and frustrated. Certain people suffering from PTSD have the benefit of self-help like talking about their experiences during therapy or practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or a rhythmic exercise. They may also gain from sharing their anxieties with a trusted individual.

The following are the methods to lower your risk:

Depression is an illness that can bring on feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Psychotherapy is one way to combat depression. This involves talking to a professional about the problems you're experiencing. You could be prescribed medication to help improve your mood. There are several different types of psychotherapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, which aids to change negative thoughts and behaviors and interpersonal therapy, which concentrates on your relationships. There are also group therapies that bring people suffering from the same condition together in a supportive environment.

The lawsuit alleges that the VA discriminated against Black veterans for decades by rejecting disability claims at a higher percentage than white veterans. Conley Monk is a Vietnam War veteran, who has been trying to get medical benefits in the form of housing, educational and medical benefits for over 50 years. The lawsuit is being handled by Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented in his successful attempt to rescind his less than honorable military discharge because of PTSD and other injuries.

The lawsuit claims that racial bias within the justice system for military personnel impacted the discharge status of many Black service members and VA officials should have been aware of this prior to making the decisions on disability compensation. The lawsuit cites a study which revealed that, between 2001 and the year 2020, the average denial rate for Black veterans who applied to receive disability compensation was 29,5% compared with 24,2% for white veterans.