Major depression- Bilateral Tinnitus

[comarine]

I just recieved my decision today an this is what was said
Major depression
We did not find a link between your medical condition and military service.although VAMC Salisbury treatment records dated 2-24-2012 show an Axis1
diagnosis of major depression,we did not find a link between your major depression and military service

EXPLANATION
Your sevice treatment records do not contain complaints,treatment,or diagnosis for this condition


Any advise on what to do next ,I thought depression fell under neurobehavioral disorders
How can I prove this.


I also was denied for bilateral tinnitus when I worked at the engine rebuild center working in Tank engine

Explanation

The VA medical opinion found no link between your diagnosed medical condition and military service.We have verified your service at Camp Lejeune.However the VAMC Ashville medical opinion found no link between your Tinnitus and military service.Your service records do not contain complaints,treatment,or doagnosis for this condition

[bruce0262]

Sorry to hear that you were also denied. Join the ranks. I was denied and my illness is on the so called list of 14 diseases with a casual link. APPEAL, APPEAL APPEAL they hope we are gonna go away. The VA doesnt give a damn bit about us, there only concern is to know keep their cost down. With your denial came instructions on how to appeal. I ponder using a VSO, called my local VSO rep and he knew as much about VA appeals and the system as I did. I decided to hire WOODS & WOODS. I just signed the contract last friday so I cant give any advise on them or their procedures. Be sure to appeal either alone , with a VSO or a law firm. They owe you, dont give up!!!!!

[bedworth53]

I agree with Bruce - do not give up. Scientific data to support our claims is there for the 14 illnesses already associated with Camp Lejeune contamination. There are also numerous epidemiological studies that link other illnesses to the types of contaminants the Marine Corps generously provided. I do not think that the VA recognizes hearing damage/loss/tinnitus. I had over 10 years of degraded hearing loss documented in my service medical record. I detailed that loss to the VA with supporting documentation from the VA tests conducted as part of a C&P. Even with that information they specifically stated that my hearing loss/tinnitus was not associated with military service.
At this point the depression nexus is a judgement call by the DRO. The way to tackle this on appeal is to consult a psychiatrist and outline your illnesses and exposures to contamination. If you are diagnosed with depression and treated for same then ask for a nexus letter specifically linking your depression as a result of your illnesses/treatment/exposure. Most psychiatrists would easily make the nexus when the situation is explained.
Never give up - we are in the right. Jerry and Mike fight for us every minute of every day. We must do the same for our own cases and there is plenty of help here on this site.
Dave

[comarine]

My VA psychiatrist was told about the exposure but stated that everything was in my service records that he did not write nexus letters.So should my next step be to see a private
psychiatrist andtry to get a nexus letter from him? Any advice would be welcome
Thanks Ric

[usmc_wlh1975]

It is possible to file and win without a nexus, but it happens only about 1 claim out of 5000. If you can afford to get one, then you should.

I would say that tells the tale.

Will