Eagle Syndrome (Styloid Process Elongation)

DC 9905Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9905

A condition where the styloid process (a small bone projecting from the base of the skull near the jaw) is abnormally long, causing pain in the throat, jaw, ear, and neck, especially when swallowing, turning the head, or opening the mouth.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 9905

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9905. 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

Your Eagle syndrome causes constant or near-constant pain, significant difficulty swallowing, and you have had surgical removal of the styloid process with residual pain or complications, or surgery was not possible.

What the VA looks for

Constant or near-constant pain documented
Significant dysphagia (swallowing difficulty)
Surgical records of styloidectomy
Post-surgical residual pain or complications
Weight loss from eating difficulty
Significant impact on quality of life

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a CT scan with 3D reconstruction — standard X-rays may not clearly show the elongated styloid process. A CT scan provides definitive measurements and documentation.
⚠Not documenting dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) separately — if Eagle syndrome causes significant swallowing problems, this can also be rated under the digestive system.
⚠Not connecting to jaw injuries, dental trauma, or neck injuries during military service that may have aggravated a pre-existing elongated styloid process.
⚠Not keeping a symptom diary documenting when pain occurs (eating, turning head, yawning) and how it limits your activities — this functional impact drives the rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Dental and Oral Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9905

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Constant or near-constant pain documented
Significant dysphagia (swallowing difficulty)
Surgical records of styloidectomy
Post-surgical residual pain or complications
Weight loss from eating difficulty
Significant impact on quality of life

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a CT scan with 3D reconstruction — standard X-rays may not clearly show the elongated styloid process. A CT scan provides definitive measurements and documentation.

⚠Not documenting dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) separately — if Eagle syndrome causes significant swallowing problems, this can also be rated under the digestive system.

⚠Not connecting to jaw injuries, dental trauma, or neck injuries during military service that may have aggravated a pre-existing elongated styloid process.

⚠Not keeping a symptom diary documenting when pain occurs (eating, turning head, yawning) and how it limits your activities — this functional impact drives the rating.