Can Tinnitus cause or make ones depression worse

It can but its a bear to prove.

You will need a Doc to give you an opinion that backs this up. In my life experience I have the opinion that any long term impairment can cause depression. Most lay people do not know this.

Good Luck

Yes, I agree. No matter what you have... if it's chronic, it has the potential to cause depression. If it's been 40 years of listening to bells or swishing or whatever your tinnitus is doing, there's a possibility it is effecting your mental health and quality of life. But like Pete said, it will be hard to prove. If you can find a Dr. to make a statement that it is "as least as likely as not" (a 50-50 chance), you will also want him to be able to say that he's reviewed your records (military and civilian) and is familiar with your case before making that determination.