Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)
Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6847, from 0% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires: Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy. Most claims establish the 0% or 30% rating before reaching the top tier.
Rating schedule — DC 6847 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 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)?
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.
Persistent day-time hypersomnolence
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.
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 (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
Veterans rated for Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)?
Service connection for Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.
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 is the C&P exam like for Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.
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