Guide by NexusVetClaims, an independent education and claim-prep site. Confirm the current rating criteria and payment amounts with these primary sources:
Sleep apnea (DC 6847) is rated 0, 30, 50, or 100%. Under the current regulation the 50% rating goes to a veteran whose treatment "requires use of" a breathing assistance device such as a CPAP — the regulation turns on requiring the machine, not merely on holding a prescription for one. It is one of the most commonly missed secondary claims, filed by veterans with service-connected conditions (PTSD, GERD, medication weight gain) that cause or aggravate sleep apnea. Note: VA has a long-pending proposed rule (published 2022-02-15, still not final) that would tie the rating to demonstrated treatment ineffectiveness rather than device use — if finalized, the criteria below will change. An existing rating cannot be cut by a rule change alone (38 U.S.C. § 1155). We update this page when rulemaking moves.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | — | Asymptomatic but with documented sleep-disordered breathing on sleep study. |
| 30% | $552.47 | Persistent daytime hypersomnolence. |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | Requires use of a breathing-assistance device such as CPAP or BiPAP. |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, OR requires tracheostomy. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.8% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
- →At 50%: $1,132.90/mo · $13,595/year, tax-free
- →At 100%: $3,938.58/mo · $47,263/year, tax-free
How to get rated for sleep apnea (obstructive)
- Get a sleep study (polysomnogram) — home sleep tests are now accepted by VA.
- Obtain a CPAP prescription if medically indicated — this triggers 50% rating.
- Document service connection: direct (onset in service) or secondary (to PTSD, GERD, weight gain from psych medications, chronic sinusitis).
- Secondary nexus: most commonly PTSD → weight gain + hyperarousal → sleep apnea.
Common secondary conditions
- +Hypertension (secondary to untreated sleep apnea)
- +Depression/fatigue
- +GERD
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Secondary to PTSD: weight gain from SSRIs + hyperarousal → OSA. Well-documented pathway, commonly granted.
- Secondary to chronic sinusitis: upper airway inflammation → OSA.
- Direct service connection: buddy statements describing snoring, witnessed apneas during deployment sleep.
What the letter has to say
A nexus letter is the medical opinion tying your sleep apnea (obstructive) to your service. It is the piece most claims turn on, and the piece most often written in wording the VA throws out. Our free guide walks through what the letter has to establish.
See what sleep apnea (obstructive) nexus letters must say →Frequently asked
Do I need a CPAP for a 50% rating?
Yes. The CPAP/BiPAP requirement is the specific language in 38 CFR § 4.97. Without a device prescription, the rating is 30% (daytime hypersomnolence) or 0% (asymptomatic).
Is sleep apnea secondary to PTSD commonly approved?
Yes — the medical pathway (hyperarousal + medication weight gain) is well-documented. File with a clinical narrative from your treating physician connecting the two.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.