If a knee injury produces no objective disability or work restrictions but requires a long leg brace, what is the standard rating for the knee?

• A. 10%
• B. 15%
• C. 25%
• D. 40%

Answer: (D)

In cases where a knee injury requires the use of a long leg brace but does not result in any objective disability or work restrictions, the standard rating considers the impact of the injury on function and the necessity of using assistive devices like braces.

A long leg brace often suggests significant functional impairment, as it indicates that the individual needs additional support to stabilize the knee joint, despite the absence of measurable work limitations. Therefore, the rating of 40% reflects a considerable level of impairment due to the need for such an assistive device. This percentage signifies that the injury has a substantial impact on the individual's knee function, warranting a higher disability rating within the context of injury assessments.

Understanding this perspective is crucial, as it highlights that the reliance on a brace indicates more than just an injury; it points to the overall impact that the injury has on day-to-day activities and quality of life, justifying the higher rating.