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Home / VA Ratings A–Z / Sleep Apnea

VA Rating for Sleep Apnea

DC 6847 Max schedular: 100% Category: Respiratory & ENT Updated for 2026 rates
The Official Criteria

Sleep Apnea Rating Chart

Criteria from 38 CFR Part 4 (DC 6847). Pay shown is the 2026 monthly rate for a veteran alone at that percentage by itself.

RatingWhat qualifies2026 monthly pay*
100%Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale; or requires tracheostomy.$3,938.58
50%Requires use of a breathing assistance device such as a CPAP machine.$1,132.90
30%Persistent day-time hypersomnolence.$552.47
0%Asymptomatic, but with documented sleep disorder breathing.

*Rate for that single rating with no dependents. Your combined rating and household may differ — run your exact numbers in our calculator.

How the VA Rates Sleep Apnea

A sleep study diagnosing OSA plus a medically necessary CPAP prescription is the classic 50% rating. Service connection is the real battle: direct (symptoms documented in service), or secondary to conditions like PTSD, rhinitis/sinusitis, or weight gain caused by service-connected orthopedic limitations.

Evidence That Wins This Claim

  • The sleep study must be in your file — VA will not rate OSA without one.
  • Ensure the CPAP prescription says 'medically necessary'.
  • Buddy statements about in-service snoring/apnea episodes support direct service connection.
  • Secondary theories (PTSD, rhinitis, medication weight gain) need a strong nexus letter.

Common Questions

Is sleep apnea with CPAP automatically 50%?

If the VA grants service connection and CPAP is medically required, the schedular criteria for 50% are met. The contested issue is almost always the service connection, not the percentage.

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