Xerostomia (Chronic Dry Mouth)

DC 9900Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9900

A condition where your mouth does not make enough saliva, leaving it constantly dry. This can be caused by medications, radiation treatment, or autoimmune conditions. Chronic dry mouth leads to rapid tooth decay, difficulty swallowing, and problems speaking. The VA rates xerostomia based on how much saliva your glands produce and how it affects eating and speaking.

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 9900

Rating range

0% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9900. 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 dry mouth is severe with very little saliva production. You have rapid tooth decay, difficulty swallowing, and speech problems. You need prescription medications and frequent dental treatment.

What the VA looks for

Minimal or absent salivary flow on objective testing
Rapid dental decay requiring frequent restorations or extractions
Dysphagia requiring dietary modification to soft or liquid foods
Speech difficulties from chronic mucosal dryness
Continuous prescription medication and saliva substitutes required

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not requesting a salivary flow rate test — this objective measurement proves the severity of your dry mouth and is stronger evidence than just describing symptoms.
⚠Not connecting xerostomia to service-connected causes — many medications used to treat PTSD, depression, and pain conditions cause dry mouth as a side effect, making it a valid secondary claim.
⚠Not documenting the dental damage caused by dry mouth — rapid tooth decay is a major consequence, and keeping records of every filling, crown, and extraction shows the ongoing cost of the condition.
⚠Not filing for the dental treatment separately — even if your rating is low, service-connected xerostomia may qualify you for ongoing VA dental treatment to manage the accelerated decay.

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…

Xerostomia (Chronic Dry Mouth)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9900

Rating range

0% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your dry mouth is severe with very little saliva production. You have rapid tooth decay, difficulty swallowing, and speech problems. You need prescription medications and frequent dental treatment.

What the VA looks for

Minimal or absent salivary flow on objective testing
Rapid dental decay requiring frequent restorations or extractions
Dysphagia requiring dietary modification to soft or liquid foods
Speech difficulties from chronic mucosal dryness
Continuous prescription medication and saliva substitutes required

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not requesting a salivary flow rate test — this objective measurement proves the severity of your dry mouth and is stronger evidence than just describing symptoms.

⚠Not connecting xerostomia to service-connected causes — many medications used to treat PTSD, depression, and pain conditions cause dry mouth as a side effect, making it a valid secondary claim.

⚠Not documenting the dental damage caused by dry mouth — rapid tooth decay is a major consequence, and keeping records of every filling, crown, and extraction shows the ongoing cost of the condition.

⚠Not filing for the dental treatment separately — even if your rating is low, service-connected xerostomia may qualify you for ongoing VA dental treatment to manage the accelerated decay.