Sleep Apnea VA Rating Guide

Overview

A serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, commonly linked to PTSD and other service-connected conditions in veterans.

• VA Disability Code: 6847
• ICD Code: G47.33
• Category: Respiratory

Rating Percentages & Criteria

100% Rating

Criteria: Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy

Examples:

• Requires tracheostomy
• Chronic respiratory failure
• Cor pulmonale present

50% Rating

Criteria: Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine

Examples:

• Uses CPAP machine
• Uses BiPAP machine
• Requires breathing assistance device

30% Rating

Criteria: Persistent day-time hypersomnolence

Examples:

• Extreme daytime sleepiness
• Falls asleep during daily activities

0% Rating

Criteria: Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing

Examples:

• Diagnosed but minimal symptoms
• Sleep study shows apnea but no treatment needed

Symptoms & Functional Impact

Common symptoms associated with this condition:

• Loud snoring
• Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
• Gasping for air during sleep
• Morning headache
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability

Evidence Requirements for Your Claim

To support your claim, gather the following evidence:

• Sleep study (polysomnography) results
• Medical records documenting sleep apnea diagnosis
• CPAP machine prescription and compliance records
• Pulmonary function tests
• Service connection nexus letter

Secondary Conditions Commonly Connected

This condition often leads to secondary disabilities:

Hypertension (Strong Connection)

Sleep apnea causes oxygen deprivation and stress that elevates blood pressure

Depression (Strong Connection)

Poor sleep quality from apnea contributes to mood disorders

Anxiety (Moderate Connection)

Sleep deprivation and hypoxia can worsen anxiety symptoms

GERD (Strong Connection)

Sleep apnea and GERD often occur together and can worsen each other

Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam Tips

Prepare for your C&P exam with these strategic tips:

• Bring sleep study results showing AHI score
• Document CPAP usage compliance
• Explain daytime symptoms and their impact
• Note any history of high blood pressure
• Describe sleep quality before and after treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I automatically get 50% if I use a CPAP?

Generally yes, but you must show compliance with CPAP use. The VA may verify your usage data.

Can sleep apnea be service-connected as secondary to PTSD?

Yes. Sleep apnea is commonly granted as secondary to PTSD due to sleep disturbances.

Key Points for Your Claim

When filing for Sleep Apnea:

1. Document everything - Every medical visit, treatment, and symptom counts
2. Get a nexus letter - A medical opinion linking your condition to service is crucial
3. Be thorough - Don't downplay your symptoms in your claim
4. Track progression - Show how the condition has worsened over time
5. Claim secondary conditions - Sleep Apnea often causes other disabilities

Ready to File Your Claim?

The VA disability system is complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone. We help veterans understand their benefits, gather strong evidence, and maximize their ratings.

Related Rating Guides:

• Hypertension VA Rating Guide
• Depression VA Rating Guide
• Anxiety VA Rating Guide