Chronic Salivary Gland Enlargement

DC 9906Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9906

Chronic swelling of one or more salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, or sublingual), causing pain, difficulty eating, dry mouth, and recurrent infections. This condition can result from salivary stones, radiation exposure, autoimmune conditions, or infections contracted during military service. The VA rates it based on the severity of symptoms and treatment required.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 9906

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9906. 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

You have severe chronic salivary gland disease requiring surgical removal of one or more glands, or you have permanent dry mouth (xerostomia) from gland damage causing significant difficulty eating and increased dental decay.

What the VA looks for

Surgical removal of salivary gland documented
Permanent dry mouth (xerostomia) documented
Significantly increased dental caries from reduced saliva
Difficulty eating dry foods
Facial nerve involvement (parotidectomy complication)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting recurrent episodes — keep a log of every episode of painful swelling, infection, and antibiotic use. Frequency and severity of episodes are key factors in determining the rating.
⚠Not filing for secondary dry mouth (xerostomia) — if your salivary glands are damaged or removed, the resulting chronic dry mouth can cause severe dental decay, difficulty eating, and oral infections that may warrant additional ratings.
⚠Not connecting the condition to in-service causes — radiation exposure, head and neck trauma, dehydration from deployments, or medications prescribed during service can all cause salivary gland disease.
⚠Not claiming facial nerve damage after parotidectomy — surgical removal of the parotid gland carries a risk of facial nerve injury causing facial weakness or paralysis, which is a separately ratable condition.

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DBQ Dental and Oral Conditions

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Condition Rating Guides

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Chronic Salivary Gland Enlargement

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9906

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Surgical removal of salivary gland documented
Permanent dry mouth (xerostomia) documented
Significantly increased dental caries from reduced saliva
Difficulty eating dry foods
Facial nerve involvement (parotidectomy complication)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting recurrent episodes — keep a log of every episode of painful swelling, infection, and antibiotic use. Frequency and severity of episodes are key factors in determining the rating.

⚠Not filing for secondary dry mouth (xerostomia) — if your salivary glands are damaged or removed, the resulting chronic dry mouth can cause severe dental decay, difficulty eating, and oral infections that may warrant additional ratings.

⚠Not connecting the condition to in-service causes — radiation exposure, head and neck trauma, dehydration from deployments, or medications prescribed during service can all cause salivary gland disease.

⚠Not claiming facial nerve damage after parotidectomy — surgical removal of the parotid gland carries a risk of facial nerve injury causing facial weakness or paralysis, which is a separately ratable condition.