What is the standard rating for a knee injury that produces no objective disability but requires a long leg brace?

In California Workers' Compensation, the rating for an injury is determined based on the objective findings and the functional limitations imposed by the injury. A knee injury that does not produce any objective disability but necessitates the use of a long leg brace suggests that while the injured worker may not have a quantifiable loss of function or impairment based on standard assessment, there are still significant implications for their ability to perform daily activities and potentially for their employment.

The requirement of a long leg brace indicates that there may be moderate to serious functional limitations, as a brace is typically used to aid stability or mobility. While the absence of objective disability might suggest a lower impairment rating, the use of a brace signifies a notable level of ongoing treatment and modification to the worker's functional capabilities.

Given these factors, a rating of 40% is justified in this context as it reflects both the need for assistive devices and the underlying impact the injury has on day-to-day life, despite the lack of measurable impairment in conventional terms. This percentage acknowledges the serious nature of the injury's effects on the individual’s overall functioning.