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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0107818.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions and new evidence.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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