The Veteran's loss of sense of smell is denied as not related to service, including exposure to herbicides. The Board finds the VA examiner's opinion highly probative and concludes that the Veteran's anosmia is less likely than not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus or diabetic retinopathy.
The deciding factor: The May 2022 VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's loss of smell was less likely as not related to service, including herbicide exposure, and found no link between his anosmia and his service-connected diabetes or diabetic retinopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- anosmia
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 17, 2022
- Citation
- 22064484
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 22064484.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's tinnitus had onset during active duty service and is granted. The claims for TBI, migraines as secondary to TBI, an eye disability as secondary to TBI, anosmia as secondary to TBI, loss of sense of taste as secondary to TBI, athlete's foot, ingrown toenails, foot pain, joint pain, low back disability, and acne are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for initial compensable ratings for anosmia and allergic rhinitis has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to October 15, 2024, or in excess of 10 percent thereafter.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple conditions was dismissed due to the appellant not being a valid substitute and lacking standing.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for anosmia, finding that it is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected chronic sinusitis.
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