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 percent
• B. 15 percent
• C. 25 percent
• D. 40 percent

Answer: (D)

Relying on an assistive device like a long leg brace signals a substantial, ongoing limitation in the leg’s function, even if tests show no objective disability or work restrictions. In the California impairment schedule, needing a long leg brace for a knee injury is treated as significant permanent impairment, assigned at 40 percent of the body as a whole. This reflects the functional impact of relying on a brace to walk and bear weight, not just what’s seen on exam. The other percentages would understate the level of impairment because they don’t account for the clear, ongoing dependence on a brace for mobility.