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.

How the VA rates this condition

This condition has a fixed rating under VA regulations. Unlike most conditions, the rating does not vary based on severity. If the VA grants service connection, the rating percentage is set by regulation.

Diagnostic code

DC 6275

Rating range

10% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.87a, DC 6275. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

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 →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Anosmia (Loss of Sense of Smell) or rated under the same body system.

Tinnitus

DC 6260·Organs of Sense

Bilateral Hearing Loss

DC 6100·Organs of Sense

Meniere's Disease (Endolymphatic Hydrops)

DC 6205·Organs of Sense

Dry Eye Syndrome

DC 6025·Organs of Sense

Glaucoma

DC 6012·Organs of Sense

Cataracts

DC 6027·Organs of Sense

Peripheral Vestibular Disorder

DC 6204·Organs of Sense

Diabetic Retinopathy

DC 6006·Organs of Sense

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6275

Rating range

10% – 10%

Rating levels

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.