How does the VA rate sleep apnea?

The VA disability rating schedule for sleep apnea under diagnostic code 6847 contains four rating levels: 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50%.

Rating Levels for Sleep Apnea (DC 6847)

According to the binding regulation, sleep apnea is rated as follows ¹:

• 50% — Obstructive sleep apnea with documented daytime hypersomnolence or hypoventilation on arterial blood gas studies (pCO2 greater than 45 mm/Hg)
• 30% — Obstructive sleep apnea, mild to moderate, without daytime hypersomnolence
• 10% — Obstructive sleep apnea, minimal, with occasional episodes
• 0% — Obstructive sleep apnea, asymptomatic or minimal symptoms

How Sleep Apnea Must Be Diagnosed

The VA manual states that sleep apnea must be diagnosed with a sleep study ². The examiner must review the sleep study to ensure the condition is interpreted in relation to the claimed condition ².

Key Points About Sleep Apnea Claims

• Sleep apnea is a ratable disability under the respiratory system schedule ¹.
• If a veteran has a service-connected condition that is comorbid (occurring together) with sleep apnea and requires pulmonary function testing—such as asthma—that testing must be completed ².
• Upper airway resistance syndrome is not the same as sleep apnea and is not a ratable disability ².