Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)
The VA rates Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) under Diagnostic Code 6847 across 4 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation. There are 4 documented secondary conditions linked to Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed).
Rating schedule — DC 6847 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.97
- Body system
- Respiratory System
- Secondary conditions
- 4
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
0%, 30%, 50%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing Note: Diagnosis requires a formal sleep study (polysomnography or home sleep apnea test). A 0% rating establishes service connection without current functional impairment. |
| 30% | Persistent day-time hypersomnolence |
| 50% | Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine Note: This is the most commonly assigned rating for sleep apnea. Requires documented CPAP/BiPAP prescription. Compliance with CPAP does not preclude the 50% rating; the requirement to use the device is the criterion, not whether symptoms are controlled. |
| 100% | Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy Note: A 100% rating requires objective evidence of chronic respiratory failure (e.g., elevated PaCO2 on ABG), cor pulmonale, or surgical tracheostomy. This level indicates severe systemic consequences beyond airway obstruction alone. |
“Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)?
View 4 secondary conditions linked to Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)?
The VA rates Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) under Diagnostic Code 6847 at 0%, 30%, 50%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing. The maximum 100% rating requires: Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)?
The VA rates Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6847, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 100% rating for Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)?
A 0% rating requires: Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing. A 100% rating requires: Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)?
The key evidence for Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)?
Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) is associated with 4 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)?
The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6847 rating criteria. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) drive the rating. The examiner measures FEV-1, FVC, and DLCO. Test during symptomatic periods when possible — stable periods produce higher numbers that may underrate your condition.
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