How Veterans Proved their Depression was Service Connected and WON their VA Claim

United States veterans deserve to be compensated for any new disabilities that arise from their service-connected conditions. One effective way to achieve this is by filing a VA depression claim. While winning a VA claim won’t magically solve everything, the additional compensation can significantly improve your quality of life. 

Two of the most common service-connected disabilities are hearing loss and tinnitus. These conditions may seem minor, but they can profoundly impact daily life. However, there is a cap on the compensation you can receive for them. So, what can you do? File a VA depression claim as secondary to your tinnitus or hearing loss. Don’t let the government overlook your needs. Mental health issues often develop as a result of tinnitus or hearing loss, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes major depressive disorder as a compensable condition under the law. 

If you’re filing a mental health claim, you should aim for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, which the VA can rate and compensate you for. But how do you prove that your depression is connected to your service? You do this through a secondary service connection claim, which means your depression is linked to an already service-connected condition, such as hearing loss or tinnitus. 

For example, if your hearing loss or tinnitus makes it difficult to work, communicate with friends and family, or carry out daily activities, you may develop depression as a result. To claim benefits for secondary service connection, you first need a medical diagnosis of depression. Then, a medical professional must establish a connection, known as a Nexus, between your depression and your service-connected condition. This Nexus links your depression to your hearing loss or tinnitus. A board-certified psychologist or psychiatrist must provide this Nexus, explaining how your depression was either caused or aggravated by your hearing loss or tinnitus. 

If you’re already receiving treatment from a VA psychologist or psychiatrist, ensure that your diagnosis of major depressive disorder is well-documented. You can ask your VA psychologist to write a Nexus letter linking your depression to your hearing loss or tinnitus. If your VA doctor is unwilling to provide this, citing a conflict of interest, you may need to find a private psychologist. 

To locate a doctor who can write a Nexus letter for depression, start by searching online. Look for psychologists who specialize in VA Nexus letters or Nexus letters for depression in your state. Be cautious of middlemen services, as they typically do not add value. It’s crucial to find a qualified doctor directly.

This author highly recommends Dr. David Anaise, who is both a medical doctor and an experienced, well-respected attorney. Dr. Anaise has helped many veterans, including myself, with excellent Nexus letters. He is also a skilled attorney who represents veterans in appeals with a strong track record of favorable outcomes.

Law Offices of David Anaise MD JD
1001 W San Martin Dr. Tucson, AZ 85704
Phone: 520-219-7321
Fax: 520-844-1452
www.danaise.com

Read my book, “Medical Evidence in Veterans’ Disability,” at http://www.amazon.com/dp/1542726581.
See also reviews:
www.AVVO.com – David Anaise – Lawyer in Tucson, AZ – Avvo
David Anaise MD JD LLC – Reviews (google.com)

Disclaimer: This recommendation is based solely on the Nexus letter Dr. Anaise produced for me, which contributed to my successful appeal. This recommendation is not promoted for monetary gain, nor am I affiliated with Dr. Anaise in any way.

The preceding article is a commentary and the views expressed are strictly the author’s own.