Sleep Apnea VA Rating: A Complete Guide for Veterans
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects millions, including many veterans.
If you developed sleep apnea due to your military service, you may be eligible for disability compensation through the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs).
However, getting a VA disability rating for sleep apnea isn’t always straightforward.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about sleep apnea VA ratings, including how they’re determined, what evidence you need, and how to increase your rating.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type among veterans is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the throat muscles relax too much, blocking the airway.
Common symptoms include:
- Loud snoring
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Extreme daytime fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
If untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Many veterans develop sleep apnea due to military-related factors such as exposure to burn pits, PTSD, and long-term stress.
How the VA Rates Sleep Apnea
The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of your condition. Sleep apnea is rated under 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6847. The rating system is as follows:
0% VA Rating (Non-Compensable)
- Diagnosed with sleep apnea, but no symptoms requiring treatment.
- No financial compensation, but you may receive VA healthcare for related conditions.
30% VA Rating
- Excessive daytime sleepiness and chronic fatigue, but no requirement for a CPAP or breathing assistance device.
- You qualify for compensation, but at a lower level.
50% VA Rating (Most Common)
- CPAP or BiPAP machine is required for treatment.
- This is the most common rating for veterans with diagnosed sleep apnea.
100% VA Rating (Severe Cases)
- If sleep apnea causes chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention, or if you require a tracheostomy.
- This is rare but provides maximum disability benefits.
Important Note:
If your sleep apnea is secondary to another service-connected condition (like PTSD), you can still receive compensation, but you’ll need strong medical evidence linking the two.
How to Get a VA Rating for Sleep Apnea
1. Get a Diagnosis
You need an official sleep study diagnosis from a VA-approved or private doctor. The VA does not accept self-reported symptoms alone.
2. Prove Service Connection
To qualify for disability benefits, you must show that your sleep apnea is connected to your military service. There are three main ways to establish this:
- Direct Service Connection: Your sleep apnea started during active duty and is documented in your military medical records.
- Secondary Service Connection: Sleep apnea is caused or worsened by another service-connected condition, such as PTSD, asthma, or GERD.
- Presumptive Service Connection: If you were exposed to toxic substances (e.g., burn pits), the VA may recognize a link.
3. Submit a Strong VA Claim
Your VA claim should include:
✅ Diagnosis from a sleep study
✅ Nexus letter (a medical expert’s statement linking sleep apnea to service)
✅ Buddy statements from fellow service members or family confirming your symptoms
✅ Medical records and treatment history
Common Reasons VA Sleep Apnea Claims Are Denied
Unfortunately, many sleep apnea claims get denied. Here’s why:
❌ Lack of medical evidence – No official diagnosis or sleep study results.
❌ No clear service connection – The VA doesn’t see a direct link to your military service.
❌ Failure to prove secondary conditions – If claiming sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD, you need a strong medical opinion.
❌ Missed deadlines – Late filings or incomplete paperwork can slow down or reject your claim.
If your claim is denied, you can appeal by submitting more medical evidence or requesting a VA disability hearing.
How to Increase Your VA Rating for Sleep Apnea
If you believe your VA rating is too low, you can request an increase. Here’s how:
- Get an Updated Sleep Study: If your condition worsens, a new sleep study can prove your need for a higher rating.
- Provide New Medical Evidence: Additional doctor evaluations or respiratory function tests may strengthen your case.
- Show CPAP Non-Compliance: If CPAP therapy isn’t working and your condition is worsening, the VA may consider increasing your rating.
- Claim Secondary Conditions: Sleep apnea often leads to high blood pressure, heart disease, or depression, which can increase your overall disability rating.
VA Benefits for Sleep Apnea
A 50% sleep apnea VA rating qualifies you for monthly compensation. In 2024, a 50% VA rating pays around $1,075 per month (this amount changes yearly).
Additional VA benefits include:
- Free CPAP machines and supplies
- Access to VA healthcare for sleep disorders
- Eligibility for other disability benefits if sleep apnea leads to related conditions
Will the VA Change Sleep Apnea Ratings in the Future?
The VA has proposed changes to the sleep apnea rating system that may reduce compensation for veterans who manage symptoms with CPAP therapy. If approved, only veterans with more severe complications (like respiratory failure) may qualify for a higher rating.
If you already have a 50% or higher rating, the VA cannot lower it unless there is evidence of improvement.
Final Thoughts
Getting a VA disability rating for sleep apnea requires medical proof, a strong service connection, and a well-documented claim. If you’re denied, don’t give up—appealing with stronger evidence can lead to approval.
Need help with your claim? Consider working with a VA-accredited attorney or a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to improve your chances of success.
