How the VA Rates Sleep Apnea

The rating levels

Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.97, 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.

1. 100%

   $3,938.58/month

   Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide (CO2) retention, or
   • Cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure), or
   • Tracheostomy required
2. 50%

   $1,132.90/month

   Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine. The regulation names CPAP as an example ("such as"); for another device (BiPAP, or a mandibular advancement device/oral appliance), make sure the record shows it was prescribed as a breathing assistance device for the sleep apnea.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Prescribed and using a CPAP machine (or another prescribed breathing assistance device such as BiPAP)
   • If CPAP was not tolerated, the alternative device prescription is documented
   • Breathing assistance device required for sleep-disordered breathing
3. 30%

   $552.47/month

   Persistent day-time hypersomnolence (excessive daytime sleepiness).

   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
4. 0%

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

   Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing.

   Examples from this level’s criteria

   • Diagnosed via polysomnography
   • No current symptoms

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.