Updated March 2026

Sleep Apnea VA Disability Rating

Q: What VA rating do you get for sleep apnea with a CPAP?

Sleep apnea that requires the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is rated at 50% under Diagnostic Code 6847. This pays $1,132.90 per month in 2026 for a single veteran with no dependents. Note: the VA has proposed rule changes that may affect CPAP-based ratings in the future.

Q: Can sleep apnea be rated as secondary to PTSD?

Yes, sleep apnea can be service-connected as secondary to PTSD. Research has shown a link between PTSD and the development or aggravation of obstructive sleep apnea. A medical nexus letter from a qualified provider explaining the connection between your PTSD and sleep apnea strengthens this claim.

Q: What is the highest VA rating for sleep apnea?

The highest VA rating for sleep apnea is 100%, which requires chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention, the need for a tracheostomy, or cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure). This rating pays $3,938.58 per month in 2026 for a single veteran.

Diagnostic Code 6847 — Sleep apnea syndromes (obstructive, central, mixed). One of the highest-rated and most claimed VA conditions, with ratings of 0%, 30%, 50%, or 100%.

Rating Criteria

Rating	Criteria	2026 Monthly Pay
0%	Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing.	$0.00
30%	Persistent daytime hypersomnolence (excessive sleepiness).	$552.47
50%	Requires use of a breathing assistance device such as CPAP machine.	$1,132.90
100%	Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or requires tracheostomy.	$3,938.58

Pay rates shown are for a single veteran with no dependents. View full 2026 rate tables with dependents.

Common Secondary Conditions

Veterans with sleep apnea often file for these related conditions to increase their combined rating:

PTSD (DC 9411) — Research supports a bidirectional link between PTSD and sleep apnea. PTSD can aggravate sleep apnea, and sleep apnea can worsen PTSD symptoms.
Obesity / Weight Gain — Medications for service-connected conditions (especially psychiatric medications) can cause weight gain that leads to or worsens obstructive sleep apnea.
GERD (DC 7346) — Gastroesophageal reflux disease is commonly associated with sleep apnea. Increased abdominal pressure from CPAP use can aggravate GERD.
Hypertension (DC 7101) — Sleep apnea is a recognized risk factor for developing high blood pressure. Can be claimed as secondary to sleep apnea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What VA rating do you get for sleep apnea with a CPAP?

Sleep apnea that requires the use of a CPAP machine is rated at 50% under Diagnostic Code 6847. This pays $1,132.90 per month in 2026 for a single veteran with no dependents.

Note: The VA has proposed rule changes that may affect CPAP-based ratings in the future. Current ratings remain in effect until any final rule is published.

Can sleep apnea be rated as secondary to PTSD?

Yes, sleep apnea can be service-connected as secondary to PTSD. Research has shown a link between PTSD and the development or aggravation of obstructive sleep apnea. A medical nexus letter from a qualified provider explaining the connection strengthens this claim.

What is the highest VA rating for sleep apnea?

The highest VA rating for sleep apnea is 100%, which requires chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention, the need for a tracheostomy, or cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure). This rating pays $3,938.58 per month in 2026.

Calculate your combined VA disability rating with sleep apnea and other conditions.

VA Disability Rating Calculator

In-Depth Guide

For detailed information on sleep studies, nexus letters, and filing strategies for sleep apnea claims, read our full guide:

Sleep Apnea VA Rating 2026 — Full Guide

Sleep Apnea VA Disability Rating

Rating Criteria

Common Secondary Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

In-Depth Guide

Related Conditions

Data Sources