What is the standard rating for a knee with a long leg brace prescribed without objective disability?

• A. 10 percent
• B. 15 percent
• C. 25 percent
• D. 40 percent

Answer: (D)

In impairment ratings, the use of an external assistive device like a long leg brace signals a substantial limitation in function, even when there are no objective findings on examination. For a knee condition that requires a long leg brace but shows no objective disability, the standard rating in the California SIP impairment schedule is 40% of the whole person. This higher value reflects the significant impact on gait, stability, and daily activities that comes with needing a brace, beyond what objective signs alone would reveal. The smaller percentages would correspond to lesser levels of impairment or to cases with measurable objective disability, which isn’t the scenario here.