VA rates sleep apnea under DC 6847: 50% if you need a CPAP or similar breathing device, 30% for persistent daytime sleepiness, 0% if it is documented but causes no symptoms, and 100% for chronic respiratory failure or a tracheostomy. At 50%, 2026 pay for a veteran alone is $1,132.90 a month.
What are the sleep apnea rating levels?
| Finding (38 CFR 4.97, DC 6847) | Rating |
|---|---|
| Asymptomatic, with documented sleep disorder breathing | 0% |
| Persistent day-time hypersomnolence | 30% |
| Requires a breathing assistance device such as CPAP | 50% |
| Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or tracheostomy required | 100% |
The criteria come from 38 CFR 4.97. The pay amount is from VA’s 2026 table, effective Dec 1, 2025 through Nov 30, 2026. The Social Security Administration announced a 3.6% cost-of-living increase for 2027, and VA had not yet published its 2027 table.
VA applies the rating to your evidence, so a CPAP prescription in your records matters, but the decision is VA’s. To see how this rating would combine with others, try the free VA disability calculator.
Do you need CPAP to get 50%?
The 50% level turns on whether you require a breathing assistance device. If you have a diagnosis and daytime sleepiness but no device, the 30% level may be the fit. If your provider later prescribes CPAP, you can ask VA to review your rating with that new evidence. Do not start or stop treatment to change a rating. Follow your doctor’s advice.
How can sleep apnea be service connected?
Direct. Records from service that mention snoring, breathing pauses or daytime sleepiness can support a direct claim, though apnea is rarely diagnosed on active duty.
Secondary. If a service-connected condition caused or worsened the apnea, you need a medical opinion linking the two. PTSD, anxiety, depression, TBI and weight gain tied to a service-connected condition are commonly claimed links. You do not need to show apnea in service for this path. For the process, see how secondary service connection works.
What evidence should you gather?
- A sleep study (polysomnography) confirming the diagnosis.
- Your CPAP prescription or device records, if applicable.
- Records for the service-connected condition you say is related.
- A medical opinion linking the two, from any licensed provider. VA does not require a paid one.
Free help filing is available from an accredited VSO. Woobie is not a law firm or accredited claims agent and does not file claims.
Frequently asked questions
What rating does sleep apnea get without CPAP?
If you have persistent daytime sleepiness and no breathing device, the criteria point to the 30% level. If it is documented but causes no symptoms, the level is 0%. VA decides based on your records and exam.
Can sleep apnea be secondary to PTSD?
It can be claimed that way. You need a diagnosis and a medical opinion that PTSD at least as likely as not caused or worsened the apnea. VA decides whether the evidence supports it.
Can VA change my sleep apnea rating later?
VA can reexamine and change ratings when it has reason to, so keep your treatment records current and follow your doctor’s advice about treatment.
Does a 0% sleep apnea rating pay anything?
A 0% rating carries no monthly compensation, but it establishes service connection. That can matter if the condition worsens.
See where your ratings land. Use Woobie’s free VA disability calculator to estimate your combined rating and monthly pay. Try the free calculator →