This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Sleep Apnea
- A sleep study (polysomnography) is required to establish a diagnosis.
- The 50% rating applies when a CPAP or similar breathing device is prescribed.
- Sleep apnea is one of the most commonly claimed secondary conditions to PTSD.
- The condition can serve as a primary condition for secondary claims involving the cardiovascular, endocrine, and mental health systems.
Based on VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and related service-connection regulations. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities), VA.gov disability compensation, 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection)
Overview
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a respiratory condition in which the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing breathing interruptions. It is commonly claimed by veterans and is rated under Diagnostic Code 6847. Sleep apnea is frequently claimed as secondary to PTSD, as research shows a strong correlation between PTSD-related hyperarousal and sleep-disordered breathing.
The VA rates sleep apnea based on the severity of symptoms and the level of treatment required. The most significant rating threshold is the 50% rating, which applies when the condition requires the use of a CPAP machine or other breathing assistance device. A 100% rating is reserved for cases involving chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or the need for a tracheostomy.
Sleep apnea can also serve as the basis for secondary claims, including hypertension, depression, cardiac conditions, and diabetes, as the chronic oxygen deprivation associated with the condition affects multiple body systems.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Asymptomatic but with documented sleep apnea diagnosis. |
| 30% | Persistent daytime hypersomnolence (excessive daytime sleepiness). |
| 50% | Requires use of a breathing assistance device such as a CPAP machine. |
| 100% | Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention, or the condition requires a tracheostomy. |
- 0%
Asymptomatic but with documented sleep apnea diagnosis.
- 30%
Persistent daytime hypersomnolence (excessive daytime sleepiness).
- 50%
Requires use of a breathing assistance device such as a CPAP machine.
- 100%
Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention, or the condition requires a tracheostomy.
These criteria describe how a VA Compensation & Pension examiner evaluates the condition during a rating exam. They are not a self-test. For mental health conditions under 38 CFR 4.130, a diagnosis must be made by a qualified clinician under DSM-5. Actual ratings depend on the totality of evidence reviewed by the VA.
Evidence Checklist
Required
Sleep study (polysomnography)
A formal sleep study documenting the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, including the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).
CPAP prescription or usage records
Documentation that a CPAP or other breathing assistance device has been prescribed, along with compliance data if available.
Recommended
Treatment records
Medical records showing ongoing treatment, CPAP adjustments, or other interventions for sleep apnea.
Helpful
Buddy statements
Statements from a spouse or roommate describing observed breathing interruptions, snoring, gasping, or daytime sleepiness.
Daytime sleepiness documentation
Epworth Sleepiness Scale results or other measures of daytime hypersomnolence.
Secondary Conditions
These conditions may be claimed as secondary to Sleep Apnea. A nexus is the medical link between a service-connected condition and a related condition. Nexus strength indicates the level of established medical evidence supporting that connection.
Hypertension
DC 7101, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%
Depression
DC 9434, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 100%
Cardiac Conditions
DC 7005, Typical range: 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%
Diabetes Type 2
DC 7913, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%
Explore all secondary conditions in the Secondary Condition Mapper tool.
C&P Exam Preparation
What to Expect
- The examiner will review your sleep study (polysomnography) results, which are critical for establishing the diagnosis and severity.
- You will be asked about your CPAP (or BiPAP) usage, including compliance data from your machine.
- The examiner will ask about daytime symptoms such as excessive sleepiness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and falling asleep during activities.
How to Prepare
- Bring a copy of your sleep study results or know where they are in your medical records, as the diagnosis depends on documented polysomnography findings.
- Download or print your CPAP compliance data, which shows usage hours per night. Most machines store this data, and your sleep medicine clinic can provide reports.
- Consider preparing to describe how daytime sleepiness affects your work, driving, concentration, and daily activities.
View the full C&P exam preparation guide for detailed tips and common mistakes.
Related DBQs
Respiratory Conditions (Other Than TB and Sleep Apnea)
Form 21-0960L-2
Sleep Apnea
Form 21-0960L-3
Search all DBQ forms in the DBQ Finder tool.
Next Steps
This information is for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.