Sleep Apnea VA Ratings How to Strengthen Your Claim With Medical Evidence

You may qualify for a sleep apnea VA rating if your condition is connected to your military service—or caused or worsened by another service-connected disability. 

But getting approved isn’t always easy. Without the proper medical evidence or a strong nexus letter, your claim could be denied. 

This guide explains how VA rates sleep apnea, the evidence you need, and how Telemedica can help strengthen your claim. 

Key Takeaways

• Sleep apnea VA ratings are 0%, 30%, 50%, or 100%, under diagnostic code 6847. 

• A strong nexus letter may significantly improve your chances of receiving a higher sleep apnea disability rating from the VA. 

• You must have a sleep study confirming your current diagnosis to receive a VA rating for sleep apnea. 

• Sleep apnea can be rated as a secondary condition if it’s caused or worsened by another service-connected disability. 

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly throughout the night. It can lead to daytime fatigue, and long-term health problems, especially if left untreated.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three main types of sleep apnea: 

1. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The most common type, caused by a physical blockage of the airway. This type is often linked to PTSD. 

2. Central sleep apnea (CSA): Caused by the brain not sending the right signals to the muscles that control breathing. 

3. Complex sleep apnea: A mix of OSA and CSA, often discovered during treatment for OSA. 

Sleep Apnea in Veterans

A 2025 study found that veterans are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) compared to nonveterans and are typically diagnosed about five years earlier. 

Deployment and PTSD were linked to even higher odds of developing OSA. 

Risk factors for sleep apnea include: 

• Excess weight 

• Narrowed airways 

• Hypertension 

• Smoking 

• Genetic factors 

• Chronic nasal obstruction 

• Neck size 

• Diabetes 

Is Sleep Apnea a VA Disability?

Yes, sleep apnea is a recognized VA disability if it can be connected to your military service. If you can establish service connection, you may be eligible for VA disability for sleep apnea.

That service connection can be: 

• Direct (it started during service), 

• Secondary (caused or worsened by another service-connected condition like PTSD or a traumatic brain injury), or 

• Aggravated (a pre-existing condition that worsened due to service). 

How the VA Rates Sleep Apnea

The VA rates sleep apnea under diagnostic code 6847, which covers all types of sleep apnea (obstructive, central, and mixed).  

VA ratings for sleep apnea are 0%, 30%, 50%, or 100%, depending on the severity of the condition and whether breathing support, like a CPAP machine, is needed. 

VA rating criteria for sleep apnea are: 

• 0%: Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing 

• 30%: Persistent daytime hypersomnolence 

• 50%: Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine 

• 100%: Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy 

Note: A sleep study is required for a VA sleep apnea diagnosis.  

Proving Service Connection

To receive VA disability benefits for sleep apnea, you must prove the following: 

1. A current diagnosis of sleep apnea (confirmed by sleep study) 

2. An in-service event, injury, or illness 

3. A medical nexus linking your sleep apnea with your service

The Value of a Nexus Letter for Sleep Apnea

A nexus letter is one of the most critical pieces of evidence in a VA sleep apnea claim. It provides a medical opinion from a licensed provider that clearly explains how your sleep apnea is connected to your military service or another service-connected condition. 

While the VA doesn’t require a nexus letter, it’s often the key piece of evidence that tips the scales in your favor—especially in complex claims or secondary conditions. 

Telemedica specializes in crafting medically sound, VA-focused nexus letters tailored to each veteran’s unique history and conditions. Our nationwide network of licensed providers understand what VA raters look for—and we deliver evidence that’s clear, credible, and accurate. 

Related: How to Get a Sleep Apnea Nexus Letter

How a DBQ Can Support Your Claim

A sleep apnea Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) may strengthen your VA claim by clearly documenting the severity of your condition using language the VA relies on for evaluation.

Completed by a licensed medical professional, a DBQ includes your diagnosis, sleep study results, current treatments (like CPAP use), and the impact of your condition on daily life.

By providing consistent, VA-specific medical evidence, a completed DBQ may help streamline and even expedite the claims process as part of a fully developed claim.

Related: How a Sleep Apnea DBQ Can Support Your VA Claim 

Filing a Claim

To be eligible for a sleep apnea VA rating, you need to file a VA claim with strong medical evidence.  

You can start by gathering your medical records, including your sleep study results showing a current sleep apnea diagnosis.  

You’ll also need to provide details about your military service, especially any events, injuries, or conditions, like PTSD, TBI, or exposure to burn pits, that may have contributed to your sleep problems. 

You can file your claim online through the VA.gov website, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office. 

Sleep Apnea as a Secondary Condition

Sleep apnea can also be rated as a secondary service-connected condition, meaning it develops because of another service-connected disability.  

If you already receive VA benefits for a primary condition, and that condition causes or worsens your sleep apnea, you may be eligible for additional compensation. 

Conditions that may lead to secondary sleep apnea include: 

• Anxiety 

• Asthma 

• Depression 

• Deviated septum 

• GERD 

• PTSD 

• Rhinitis 

• Sinusitis 

• Weight gain 

Related: Nexus Letter for Secondary Conditions 

If You Receive a Denied VA Sleep Apnea Claim

If the VA denied your sleep apnea claim, don’t give up.  

Many denials happen due to: 

• Missing documentation 

• Unclear service connections 

• No medical nexus 

If your VA claim was denied, you can:

1. File a Supplemental Claim – Submit new and relevant evidence. 

2. Ask for a Higher-Level Review – Ask for a senior reviewer to re-evaluate your claim (no new evidence allowed). 

3. Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals – A Veterans Law Judge will review your case. 

Proposed Sleep Apnea VA Rating Changes

See our post on proposed sleep apnea rating changes HERE.

The VA has proposed changes to sleep apnea ratings, possibly in 2025. These changes would: 

• Add a 10% rating level and eliminate the 30% sleep apnea VA rating.

• Focus more on how sleep apnea impacts daily life rather than the treatment used. 
• Remove the automatic 50% sleep apnea VA rating for CPAP use.

These changes are not in effect yet. The VA still uses the existing rating system. If you already have a rating, you’ll be grandfathered into that rating regardless of future changes. 

We recommend filing as soon as possible if you qualify now. 

Conclusion

Sleep apnea can seriously impact your daily life—but with the right medical evidence and guidance, it’s possible to get the VA compensation you deserve. 

Whether you’re just starting your claim or appealing a denial, strong documentation and expert medical evidence can make all the difference. 

Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims

Did you know that a lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason VA disability claims are denied?  

Medical evidence is a crucial piece of the puzzle that VA raters consider when reviewing a disability claim. Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence that wins claims!  

Schedule your 20-minute consultation and learn how to get the supporting medical evidence you need to strengthen your claim. 

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

How does the VA rate sleep apnea?

The VA rates sleep apnea at 0%, 30%, 50%, or 100% under diagnostic code 6847. Your VA sleep apnea rating will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the requirement for breathing assistance. 

Will the proposed sleep apnea rating changes affect my current sleep apnea rating?

No. If you already have a VA sleep apnea rating, you’ll be grandfathered into the current criteria. Future updates will only apply to new claims filed after the changes take effect. 

Can the VA take away my sleep apnea rating?

Yes, the VA can lower or remove your rating during a review or re-examination if your condition improves significantly or if the original rating was based on incomplete or incorrect information.  

However, if you’ve had the same rating for over five years and your condition hasn’t improved, the VA will have a harder time reducing it. 

Is it difficult to get VA disability for sleep apnea?

It can be challenging, especially if you don’t have strong medical evidence. You’ll need a current diagnosis from a sleep study, proof of an in-service event or secondary condition, and, preferably, a nexus letter linking your sleep apnea to military service. 

Is sleep apnea a presumptive condition?

No, sleep apnea isn’t a presumptive condition, meaning you must establish a service connection to be eligible for VA disability benefits. 

Do I need a CPAP to get a sleep apnea VA rating?

Not always. A CPAP machine is required for a 50% rating, but veterans may still receive a 30% rating based on symptoms and a current diagnosis.