Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit A lawsuit involving veterans' disabilities could be the answer for a large number of veterans suffering from disabilities resulting from their military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to those who served in the military, including medical care and special programs. However, obtaining these benefits is particularly difficult for Black veterans, as per a 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 they may be prone to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, or anxiety that cause anxiety. This condition can cause the sufferer to avoid areas or situations that are reminiscent of their painful experience. This could 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 family members. A new lawsuit brought by Black veterans and a Yale law clinic has found that the Department of Veterans Affairs has consistently denied disability compensation claims to Black veterans for years. Quil Lawrence of NPR reports that a VA whistleblower notified the veterans that VA documents showed that Black veterans were denied benefits at a higher percentage than white veterans. The lawsuit was brought by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley Monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. It cites data showing that from 2001 to the rate of rejection for Black disability claims was 29.5%, compared to 24.2% for white veterans. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damage for Monk and Black veterans who were denied benefits unfairly. It is also seeking to force the VA to reconsider the claims of thousands of other veterans who were dismissed in error. The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court. Traumatic Brain Injury TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe and symptoms may be instantly apparent or may develop hours or even weeks after the injury. There are physical symptoms (headache, fatigue and dizziness) and others are related to problems with memory, concentration, emotions or behavior. People suffering from TBI TBI might also have difficulty getting around or with balance and vision. The damage to the brain due to a TBI can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt on the head, whether from a blunt force or a penetrating wound (such as from a bullet). The impact may cause the skull to fracture which can cause bleeding and bruising of the brain within the skull. The brain may then swell, pushing against the skull and cutting off blood flow. The injury could occur throughout the entire brain or one particular lobe. Certain TBIs are classified as open and some are closed. The classification depends on whether the skull was fractured or not and on whether the skull was opened or closed by the impact. TBIs can vary in severity, ranging from a concussion up to a an coma. Patients with TBI are at increased risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions. A few studies suggest that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs can 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 a condition that occurs after people are traumatized. The symptoms can start immediately after the event has ended, or years later. Memory problems, trouble getting sleep and concentrating, or feelings of anger or irritability and being easily startled are some of the signs. Some people might have suicidal or depression-related thoughts. The PTSD condition can cause issues at work, with relationships, and at home. It can also lead to alcohol or drug addiction. Psychotherapy can be used to treat symptoms such as eye movement desensitisation (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can be beneficial to some sufferers of PTSD. The medications help manage symptoms and make daily activities more enjoyable. Some research is looking into ways to prevent PTSD and examining whether genes or the brain may affect a person's reaction to trauma. Some researchers are investigating how a normal reaction to stress can turn into PTSD, and how it can be treated early. It is crucial to visit an expert if you suffer from PTSD. It is essential to deal with symptoms that interfere with your everyday life, such as difficulty getting along with others, or feeling frustrated and angry. Self-help may be helpful for those suffering from PTSD. They could benefit from discussing their experiences in therapy or performing relaxation exercises such as deep breathing or a tempo-based exercise. They may also benefit from being able to talk about their fears with someone they trust. Here are some of ways to reduce your risk of getting sick: Depression can trigger feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Psychotherapy is one way to combat depression. This involves talking with an expert about the issues you're experiencing. There may also be medication, which can improve your mood. There are many different types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behavior while interpersonal therapy is focused on relationships. There are group therapies which bring people suffering from similar conditions together in a supportive atmosphere. The lawsuit claims that the VA discriminated against Black Veterans for decades by refusing disability claims in an increased rate than white veterans. It was filed on behalf of Conley Monk who is a Vietnam War veteran who tried to obtain medical benefits as well as housing assistance and education benefits for 50 years. The suit was filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which represented Monk in his successful fight to overturn 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 that VA officials should have been aware of this when deciding on disability compensation. It cites a research study that found that between 2001 and 2020 the average denial rate for Black veterans who applied for disability compensation was 29.5 percent, as compared to 24.2 percent for white veterans.