DC 6275Auditory System38 CFR § 4.87a

Sense of smell, complete loss

The VA rates Sense of smell, complete loss under Diagnostic Code 6275 at a single 10% level. With a cap of 10%, most veterans pursue secondary conditions to increase their combined rating.

Rating schedule — DC 6275 at a glance

Minimum rating
10%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
10%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
1

10%

CFR section
§ 4.87a

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Auditory System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Sense of smell, complete loss?

RatingCriteria
10%

Sense of smell, complete loss

Sense of smell, complete loss

Common Questions About Sense of smell, complete loss VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Sense of smell, complete loss?

The VA rates Sense of smell, complete loss under Diagnostic Code 6275 at 10%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Sense of smell, complete loss. The maximum 10% rating requires: Sense of smell, complete loss.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Sense of smell, complete loss?

The VA rates Sense of smell, complete loss under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6275, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.87a. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

Can Sense of smell, complete loss qualify for TDIU?

Sense of smell, complete loss maxes at 10%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Sense of smell, complete loss?

The key evidence for Sense of smell, complete loss is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.

What happens at the C&P exam for Sense of smell, complete loss?

The C&P examiner uses a Auditory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6275 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.

Get a Personalized Rating Analysis

VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.

Discover Your Benefits