Anosmia (Loss of Sense of Smell)

DC 6275Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.87a, DC 6275

Complete loss of the sense of smell. Commonly caused by traumatic brain injury, blast exposure, or chronic sinusitis from military service. The VA assigns a fixed 10% rating for complete loss of smell.

Rating Levels

You have complete loss of the sense of smell (anosmia). This is the only and maximum rating for this condition.

What the VA looks for

Diagnosis of anosmia by ENT specialist or neurologist
Smell identification test (UPSIT or similar) showing anosmia
Documentation of in-service event causing smell loss (TBI, blast, surgery)
Nexus between service event and smell loss

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a formal smell identification test (UPSIT/Sniffin' Sticks) — subjective reports alone may not satisfy the VA; an objective test confirms the diagnosis.
⚠Not connecting anosmia to a service-connected TBI or blast exposure — anosmia is a well-known residual of traumatic brain injury and should be rated separately from TBI.
⚠Failing to report that you also lost your sense of taste — anosmia often causes loss of flavor perception, and loss of taste (ageusia) may warrant an additional rating.
⚠Not documenting the safety hazard — inability to smell smoke, gas leaks, or spoiled food affects daily living and supports the functional impact of the condition.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Sinusitis, Rhinitis, and Other Conditions of the Nose, Throat, Larynx, and Pharynx

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…