Sleep Apnea VA Disability Rating

Sleep apnea syndromes are rated under Diagnostic Code 6847 in 38 CFR 4.97. The evaluation depends on whether the condition is asymptomatic, causes persistent daytime hypersomnolence, requires a breathing assistance device such as CPAP, or involves chronic respiratory failure or tracheostomy.

Start organizing your claim Use the VA Disability Calculator

Educational information only. StratForge is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and does not guarantee any rating, decision, or benefit.

Sleep Apnea rating percentages and criteria

Criteria are paraphrased from 38 CFR 4.97. Read the official text before relying on any summary.

100%

Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or requires tracheostomy.

50%

Requires use of a breathing assistance device such as a CPAP machine.

30%

Persistent daytime hypersomnolence.

Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing.

View official rating criteria

Common symptoms

Loud snoring with witnessed breathing pauses
Waking up gasping or choking
Excessive daytime sleepiness despite a full night in bed
Morning headaches and dry mouth
Memory and concentration problems
Falling asleep during the day at inappropriate times

Evidence VA may consider

A diagnostic sleep study (polysomnogram or approved home study)
CPAP prescription and machine compliance data
Treatment records documenting daytime hypersomnolence
Spouse or roommate statements describing breathing pauses
Service treatment records or buddy statements showing symptoms began in service
A medical nexus opinion when claiming sleep apnea as secondary

Not sure what is already in your file? Request and review your VA C-File or gather your medical records.

C&P exam information for sleep apnea

Bring your sleep study report and CPAP prescription if you have them.
Explain whether a doctor prescribed the machine — the 50% criterion turns on required use.
Describe daytime sleepiness with concrete examples, not just 'tired'.

More detail: How to prepare for a VA C&P exam.

Potential secondary conditions

Sleep apnea secondary to PTSD
Sleep apnea secondary to rhinitis or sinusitis
Sleep apnea secondary to weight gain caused by a service-connected condition
Sleep apnea aggravated by GERD or asthma
Hypertension aggravated by untreated sleep apnea

Learn how these claims work on the VA secondary conditions guide.

Sleep Apnea VA claim FAQs

Do I need a sleep study for a VA sleep apnea claim?

In practice, yes. VA generally requires a diagnosis confirmed by a sleep study before it will service-connect and rate sleep apnea.

Can sleep apnea be secondary to PTSD?

Many veterans file this way. It requires a competent medical opinion explaining how the service-connected condition caused or aggravated the sleep apnea.