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All rating criteria

How the VA Rates Sleep Apnea

The plain-English version of the 38 CFR Part 4, DC 6847 criteria a VA rater evaluates Sleep Apnea against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.

Diagnostic code 6847

The rating levels

Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, DC 6847 for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.

0%

$0/month (0% is still service-connected)

Asymptomatic sleep apnea with documented sleep disorder breathing confirmed by sleep study, requiring no treatment.

Examples from this level’s criteria

  • Diagnosed via polysomnography
  • No current symptoms or treatment needed

30%

$552.47/month

Sleep apnea with persistent daytime hypersomnolence (excessive daytime sleepiness) that is not adequately controlled, without requiring use of a breathing assistance device.

Examples from this level’s criteria

  • Persistent excessive daytime sleepiness despite treatment
  • Fatigue affecting daily function
  • Difficulty concentrating or staying awake during routine tasks
  • Daytime somnolence documented by provider

50%

$1,132.90/month

Sleep apnea requiring use of a breathing assistance device such as a CPAP machine, BiPAP machine, or mandibular advancement device (MAD/oral appliance). Under DC 6847, ANY prescribed and used breathing assistance device — including an oral appliance prescribed as an alternative to CPAP — qualifies for the 50% rating. CPAP intolerance documented with a MAD prescription as an alternative also meets this criterion.

Examples from this level’s criteria

  • Prescribed and using CPAP, BiPAP, or mandibular advancement device (MAD/oral appliance)
  • CPAP intolerance documented with MAD prescription as alternative
  • Breathing assistance device required nightly for sleep-disordered breathing
  • Oxygen therapy required at night
  • Cor pulmonale (right-sided heart enlargement from chronic hypoxia)

100%

$3,938.58/month

Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention requiring tracheostomy, or with cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure) or pulmonary hypertension.

Examples from this level’s criteria

  • Tracheostomy placed
  • Cor pulmonale confirmed on echocardiogram
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Respiratory failure with chronic CO2 retention

The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.

The evidence that matters most

Sleep study documenting apnea events + CPAP prescription — the CPAP requirement alone qualifies for 50%

C&P exam tips for Sleep Apnea

  • Bring your CPAP compliance report — it shows nightly usage and AHI data, proving the severity of your condition.
  • Describe daytime symptoms even with CPAP: nodding off at work, unable to drive safely, cognitive fog.
  • Mention any ER visits or hospitalizations for respiratory events.
  • Connect sleep apnea to other conditions: PTSD nightmares disrupting CPAP use, obesity from service-connected conditions, etc.

Common mistakes on Sleep Apnea claims

  • Saying 'my CPAP works great' without mentioning residual daytime fatigue — this caps you at 30% when you may deserve 50%.
  • Not bringing CPAP data to the exam.
  • Failing to mention the functional impact: fell asleep driving, can't keep a job requiring alertness.
  • Not documenting the secondary conditions sleep apnea causes (hypertension, depression, cognitive issues).

Frequently asked questions

What diagnostic code does the VA use for Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is rated under 38 CFR Part 4, DC 6847 — diagnostic code 6847.

What is the highest schedular VA rating for Sleep Apnea?

100% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Sleep Apnea. The criteria at that level describe: Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention requiring tracheostomy, or with cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure) or pulmonary hypertension.

How much does a 100% VA rating for Sleep Apnea pay in 2026?

$3,938.58 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.

Can Sleep Apnea be claimed as a secondary condition?

Yes — veterans commonly file Sleep Apnea secondary to PTSD / Mental Health, Asthma, Chronic Sinusitis / Rhinitis under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310. What carries a secondary claim is a medical nexus opinion connecting it to the service-connected condition.

Related tools & guides

Build your Sleep Apnea claim documentation

Your first claim builds free, on screen — a personal statement mapped to these criteria and a cited draft medical opinion. No card to sign up.

Start your claim — free

Educational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.