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

• A. 10%
• B. 15%
• C. 25%
• D. 40%

Answer: (D)

In the context of workers' compensation and disability ratings, the standard rating for a knee injury requiring a stretch leg brace, but resulting in no objective disability, is generally assessed using established medical guidelines and workers' compensation statutes.

A knee that necessitates the use of a stretch brace indicates some level of severity in the injury, suggesting that the injury is significant enough to warrant this supportive equipment. However, since there is no objective disability, which refers to measurable, demonstrable limitations in function, the rating might not be as high as that which involves substantial loss of function.

Based on typical guidelines in these assessments, the highest percentage usually is reserved for injuries with more severe symptoms or loss of function. In this specific case, while the injury does require equipment, the absence of objective disability signifies it should be rated within the moderate range rather than at the high end of the spectrum.

This leads to a more accurate rating of 25% for cases where assistive devices are used but do not significantly impair function. Therefore, the standard rating of 40% does not align with the criteria typically followed for such injuries.

Thus, a more fitting evaluation would result in a lower percentage, considering the balance between the injury's severity and the lack of objective