Depression Secondary to Chronic Pain

Hello, I am currently rated at 40 percent, due to arthritis in my knees, neck and back. A few years ago, I was told that the depression I have been suffering from is made worse or could be a result of the chronic pain and reduced mobility of the disability that I have. I filed a claim for that and it was denied. What can I say, I was depressed. I did not file an appeal. Is there any way I can try again to get the depression I have included?
 
Jim's Reply: 
 
Yes, you can file a new claim most any time you'd like. You'll need some new evidence to support your claim that you suffer depression secondary to chronic pain. 
 
Your new evidence should be in the form of an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO). You're going to need the IMO from a civilian psychiatrist or psychologist. That person will have to review your medical records and then come up with an expert opinion that supports your claim. You're welcome to try getting an IMO like this from your VA care people, but I'm not confident you'll get that sort of support.
 
Unless you have an expert IMO that clearly states that it is more likely than not that your depression is secondary to your service connected chronic pain condition, I'd predict that the outcome would be another denial.
 
You can find an IMO psychologist at the VAWatchdog.
 
/S/ Jim