A knee injury produces no objective disability or work restrictions but the physician prescribes a long leg brace. What is the standard rating for the knee?

• A. 10%
• B. 15%
• C. 25%
• D. 40%

Answer: (D)

The main idea is how California SIP uses the impairment rating schedule for the knee when an assistive device is required. If a knee injury necessitates a long leg brace, this is taken as a strong indicator of significant functional loss. The impairment rating for a knee in this situation is the highest standard level on the knee schedule, which corresponds to forty percent of the whole person. So, even though there may be no objective disability or work restrictions documented, the need for a long leg brace signals a level of impairment that maps to the top knee category. The other lower percentages would understate the functional impact suggested by bracing, so the most appropriate rating is forty percent.