The Board denied higher evaluations for facial numbness, diminished sense of smell, and diminished sense of taste as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The veteran's conditions did not result in complete loss of sensation or taste, nor were there organic changes such as muscle atrophy. The evaluations remained at 10% due to incomplete paralysis without severe impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Facial numbness, Diminished sense of smell, Diminished sense of taste
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 15, 2001
- Citation
- 0107818
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0107818.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for facial numbness and pulmonary nodules, but denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The decision also denied an increased rating for irritable bowel syndrome and a compensable rating for chronic sinusitis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions and new evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development to obtain medical records and provide new opinions regarding his claimed disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to a lack of evidence showing that his current disability was caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or similar fault.
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