During my third compensation exam for my left leg condition it was decided that my rating remains the same (30%). I have a leg that goes from my knee down to my ankle with pins, screws, etc. Chronic pain with flare ups, difficult of mobility, flexibility, etc. 30% seems very unfair (for what I am going to appeal. I attached an except (as an image file) of the "Reason for Decision" that inform the reason/code:
It can be noticed that the so called "Reason for Decision" also mentions my ankle disability for what my Compensation and Pension Examiner clearly identified, stated, and wrote on her report as another disability that was not known then and therefore should have a proper rating of its own: the pain issue in my left ankle. But the rater simply included the ankle issue as part of my left knee disability (which was always centered on my knee cap and region close to knee cap for the most part). When I called the Regional Office they told me that I should file a new claim for my left ankle. But my question is: "if the left ankle is somewhat included into my general left leg disability (even though it does not receive any rating), 'wouldn't there be some conflict?'" And how should I proceed in such case. Thanks a lot for any enlightment.
tk3000