wood78221

This isnt shocking. Something similar happened to me earlier this year. I filed for an increase, had an idiot for an examiner, didnt even write in the report half of what I said...got reduced from 50 to 30. I got the exam, filed a supplemental stating that he actually did lie on the report and wanted another exam. In the mean time, I went to my doctor (psych) at the VA and she put the CFR verbatim for 70 percent in my medical records. I have another exam, it went great, and I am now 100 PT and didn't even apply for it. Finally, justice. 

Interesting, I didn't realize that, but you are definitely doing the right thing by contesting the decision.
I have found that if I go out of my way to specifically tell the VA which medical record findings were in my favor, they more often than not looked at them to verify. From what I have heard, they may search for specific words or diagnosed conditions, but generally do not read every word on every page of your records (although that violated 38 CFR 4.2 and 4.6 by overlooking potentially favorable evidence). That's why I tell people to spoon feed the VA exactly what they need. Don't rely on them to be thorough. Although it's required, it's not realistic.
That sounds like my situation. I filed for PTSD and they diagnosed me with depression, despite already having a PTSD diagnosis in my records. If your VSO said to focus on depression, then that sounds reasonable. I'd keep a log of social and occupational impact tinnitus has on your situations. For me, I have trouble hearing people at work, people over the phone, my wife, my kids, the TV, people at the store, anything when in a crowd, and worst of all, I can't get that buzzing to stop when I try to sleep. Ironically, they did a hearing test and only found minimal hearing loss. Lost sleep is the big one for me. The VA gave me a Marsona sound machine to help cover it up. It's helpful, but doesn't always work. Hope this helps you out.

Congrats!!

SOOO. I filed the CUE during my claim and called the hotline making a complaint. WOW, that really worked. They approve an NOD on a separate issue in 30 days. They called me from the VA in Columbia, SC and told me that the office in Waco, Texas is working on my claim now. I spoke to a Congressional Liaison on the phone and explained my CUE wasn't for me NOD but for my current claim. They thought it was for the NOD. So he was going to relay that info to whomever he needs to. Either way, the NOD was worked out in my favor, really fast. 

SOOO. I filed the CUE during my claim and called the hotline making a complaint. WOW, that really worked. They approve an NOD on a separate issue in 30 days. They called me from the VA in Columbia, SC and told me that the office in Waco, Texas is working on my claim now. I spoke to a Congressional Liaison on the phone and explained my CUE wasn't for me NOD but for my current claim. They thought it was for the NOD. So he was going to relay that info to whomever he needs to. Either way, the NOD was worked out in my favor, really fast. 

I had to reach back out to them as well. 2 day turnaround. They will mail another IMO report to you.

Alright filed the claim today. We will see what happens. Keep you all posted. 

Already got it covered! Filed the intent back Mid December.