Obstructive Salivary Gland Stone (Sialolithiasis)

DC 9906Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9906

A condition where calcium-based stones form in the salivary glands or ducts, blocking the flow of saliva and causing painful swelling under the jaw or in the cheek, especially when eating. Repeated blockages can permanently damage the gland.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 9906

Rating range

0% – 20%

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 chronic sialolithiasis requiring surgical removal of the salivary gland, or frequent recurrent stones causing significant pain, infection, and dry mouth that affects eating and dental health.

What the VA looks for

Salivary gland excision surgery documented
Frequent stone recurrence despite treatment
Significant dry mouth requiring saliva substitutes
Dietary limitation due to pain with eating
Recurrent infections requiring antibiotics
Accelerated dental decay from dry mouth

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the frequency of stone episodes — each episode of painful swelling, especially related to eating, should be noted in medical records to support a higher rating.
⚠Not connecting to dehydration during military service — salivary stones are associated with chronic dehydration, which is common during deployments, field training, and desert environments.
⚠Not filing for secondary dental conditions — reduced saliva flow from gland damage causes accelerated tooth decay and gum disease, which may warrant separate ratings.
⚠Not getting imaging to document stones — ultrasound or CT can show active stones and chronic gland damage that objectively support your claim.

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 9906

Rating range

0% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Salivary gland excision surgery documented
Frequent stone recurrence despite treatment
Significant dry mouth requiring saliva substitutes
Dietary limitation due to pain with eating
Recurrent infections requiring antibiotics
Accelerated dental decay from dry mouth

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the frequency of stone episodes — each episode of painful swelling, especially related to eating, should be noted in medical records to support a higher rating.

⚠Not connecting to dehydration during military service — salivary stones are associated with chronic dehydration, which is common during deployments, field training, and desert environments.

⚠Not filing for secondary dental conditions — reduced saliva flow from gland damage causes accelerated tooth decay and gum disease, which may warrant separate ratings.

⚠Not getting imaging to document stones — ultrasound or CT can show active stones and chronic gland damage that objectively support your claim.