Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6847)
The VA rates Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) 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. Related conditions in the Respiratory body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)?
Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing
Persistent day-time hypersomnolence
Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine
Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy
“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)?
How does the VA rate Respiratory conditions?
Common Questions About Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)?
The VA rates Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) under Diagnostic Code 6847 at the following tiers: 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.
What is Diagnostic Code 6847?
Diagnostic Code 6847 is the VA rating identifier for Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.
What is the highest rating for Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)?
The highest schedular rating for Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) under DC 6847 is 100%. This tier requires: Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What 38 CFR section governs Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) ratings?
Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6847. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)?
Conditions commonly secondary to Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) include: Atrial Fibrillation (OSA-Related), Cardiac Arrhythmia (Atrial Fibrillation), Chronic Fatigue / Cognitive Impairment (OSA-Related), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (OSA-Related). Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Medical nexus evidence linking the primary and secondary condition is required.
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 that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.
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