Disability Law Claims Blog

"Mild traumatic brain injuries"... patients' symptoms are real and finally being recognized by the VA

ALL veterans with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, will qualify for disability benefits, regardless of when or where they served...

Great news for veterans who have been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease!

This is the second article I've read today, although not in the correct order, about the VA deciding to make big changes to its disability compensation program.

First, the VA decides to increase its rating schedule for vets who suffer from mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and now, they annouced on Tuesday, September 24th, 2008, that it would make full disability benefits available for veterans who have ALS, regardless of when or where they served. 

Two big strides in the right direction by the VA for the brave men and women that have fought to protect our freedom. Better late than never...

A big thanks to our troops! We appreciate your service and courage.

To read more about the VA's decision, click here. 

"Take the war to the enemy, but leave the battle on the battlefield..."

Meditation... just saying the word evokes relaxation, but meditating in a combat zone?? Sounds like an oxymoron. How can one possibly meditate when the eye of war is staring you in the face?
 
Others join me in my skepticism, but the instructors of the "Warrior Mind Training" course say their practices "can treat post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries, improve focus and better prepare soldiers and Marines for the rigors of combat. It can also improve shooting range performance and raise training test scores."

Taking elements from yoga, the Warrior Mind Training course also encompasses ancient training techniques used by samurai, including an emphasis on living in the moment. Sarah Ernst, a senior Warrior Mind instructor, said the samurai handled the carnage on the battlefield by only focusing on it during the fight.

The course is spreading through several military bases and is offered free of cost to service members. 

To read more about the Warrior Mind Training course, click here.

Flordia Tops List of Accident Prone States

Florida has been in the news recently over their high accident rates.  According to Forbes.com, Florida, in particular Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, has particularly high rates of deadly accidents.  Topping Florida's accident-prone list were drowning, slip and falls and fire related deaths.  

Even those who do not die after an accident have the potential to become injured, possibly permanently.  Some of the more serious injuries associated with the above accidents include: lung damage, brain damage, burns, and spinal cord injuries.

If after an accident you are injured enough to be considered disabled, you may have a long road ahead of you.  From struggling with the limitations of a disability to filing the paperwork necessary to get disability benefits, there is no doubt that an accident can alter your life forever.

If you need any help in getting social security disability or long-term disability benefits you deserve, please call LaVan and Neidenberg toll-free at 1-(888)-234-5758 or fill out our contact form. 

Traumatic Brain injuries: More common than breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis combined!

It was extremely alarming for me to learn that every 21 seconds a person in the U.S. suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs most often occur as the result of a motor vehicle crash, fall, an act of violence, or recreational sporting activity.

Traumatic brain injury can leave victims with long-term cognitive impairments that limit their ability to function in normal daily activities. Many of those who become impaired may have difficulty remembering, learning, controlling their temper, living alone, earning a living, and getting from place to place. 

The vast majority of TBI victims are children 0-4 years, young adults ages 15-24 (mainly males), and adults 65 years and older. It is theorized that young male adults are twice as likely to be injured as females because of the following factors:

• The competitive nature of males
• Their love of the outdoors
• Their willingness to take chances and engage in high-risk activities

Sadly, it is far too common for young adults to fall victim to TBI's. Primarily because of their driving inexperience, an inability to make accurate assessments of dangerous situations, and the pressure to be "cool." Studies show that teens are less likely to wear their seat belts when compared to other age groups, thus increasing their risk of injury. The combination of these behaviors can prove deadly for teens and fellow motorists. Many states have adopted the "graduated driver licensing" law, in which teens are given a learner's permit  which gives them specific priviledges and responsibilities based on their age. Once they have acquired the necessary skills of a safe driver, they must pass a test before being issued an operator's license.