roanoke rapids veterans disability attorney Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit
A lawsuit involving veterans' disabilities could be a solution for a lot of veterans suffering from disabilities resulting from their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to those who have served in the military, such as medical care and special programs.
According to a lawsuit filed Monday, Black veterans have disproportionately more difficulty getting these benefits. The suit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk Jr. by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic.
PTSD
PTSD symptoms can develop in people who have been traumatized. Symptoms may include anxiety, nightmares or flashbacks that cause anxiety. This disorder can make a person avoid places or situations which remind them of their traumatic experience. This can lead people to feel lonely and depressed. The good news is that PTSD can be treated with counseling and medication as well as the support of family members.
A new lawsuit brought by Black veterans and a Yale law clinic has revealed that the Department of
Greenwood Veterans Disability Attorney Affairs has repeatedly denied disability compensation claims to Black veterans for decades. NPR's Quil Lawrence reports that a whistleblower told the vets that VA internal documents reveal that Black veterans were denied benefits more often than their white counterparts.
The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley Monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites research that indicates that between 2001 and 2020 the rejection rate for Black disability claims was 29.5%, compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans.
The lawsuit seeks to recover compensation for Monk and Black veterans who were unfairly denied benefits. The lawsuit also seeks to oblige 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 symptoms can be present immediately or develop hours, days or even weeks later. There are physical symptoms (headache fatigue, dizziness and headache) while others may be related to issues with memory, concentration, emotions or behavior. TBI patients might also experience trouble moving or having problems with balance and vision.
TBIs can be caused by a TBI when the brain is injured by a blow or bump to the head. This could result from a blunt force, or a penetrating injury (such as a bullet). The impact may cause the skull fracture that can cause bleeding and bruising of the brain within the skull. The brain can expand and push against the skull, cutting off blood circulation. The injury could happen to the entire brain or in a specific lobe.
Some TBIs can be classified as closed, and others as open. The classification is dependent on whether or not the skull was fractured and whether the skull was opened or shut due to the impact. TBIs can vary in severity, ranging from concussion to the coma. Patients with TBIs are more at risk chance of developing depression or PTSD as well as other mental health issues. Research suggests that having a variety of 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, also known as PTSD is the result of having to suffer a trauma. The symptoms can manifest at the time that the event is over or even years later. Memory problems, trouble concentrating and sleeping, feelings of anger or irritability and being easily shocked are some of the signs. There are some who have suicidal or depression-related thoughts. PTSD can cause problems at work, home and in relationships. It can also lead to addiction, such as 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 some people with PTSD. Medications can help control the symptoms and aid in getting through daily activities.
A few studies are looking at ways to stop PTSD by examining whether the brain or genes can affect the way a person reacts to a trauma. Researchers are looking into the ways in which a normal response to stress may turn into PTSD, and how it can be treated early.
It is vital to see your doctor if you suffer from PTSD. It is essential to deal with issues that affect your daily routine, like difficulties in relating to others, or feeling anger and frustrated. Certain people suffering from PTSD have the benefit of self-help, such as discussing their experiences in therapy or using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or a rhythmic exercise. They may also benefit from sharing their fears with a trusted friend.
Depression
Depression is a condition that can cause feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It can be treated with psychotherapy. It involves speaking with an expert therapist about the problems that cause you stress. You may also be prescribed medication to improve your mood. There are several different types of psychotherapy. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, which aids you overcome negative beliefs and habits and interpersonal therapy, which focuses on your relationships. There are group therapy options that bring people suffering from similar conditions together in a calming and supportive environment.
The lawsuit claims that the VA has discriminated against Black veterans for decades, by denying disability compensation claim at a higher percentage than white veterans. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk who is a Vietnam War veteran who tried to get medical benefits as well as housing assistance and education benefits for the past 50 years. The lawsuit is being filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented during his successful fight to reverse his less-than honorable military discharge because of PTSD and other injuries.
The lawsuit claims that racial discrimination in the military justice system impacted the discharge status of Black service members, and that VA officials should've known this when deciding on disability compensation. The lawsuit cites a study which discovered that between 2001 and the year 2020, the average rate of denials for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29,5% against 24,2% for white veterans.
