VA Disability Rating Guide
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) — VA disability rating
38 CFR 4.97 Diagnostic Code 6847
Rated 0/30/50/100% under DC 6847. CPAP-required = automatic 50%; persistent symptoms despite treatment can reach 100%.
Rating tiers
30%
Persistent daytime hypersomnolence (excessive sleepiness). NO CPAP required.
$ pay rate at 30% →
50%
Requires use of breathing assistance device (CPAP, BiPAP, APAP). This is the most common rating — once you have a CPAP, you typically get at least 50%.
$ pay rate at 50% →
100%
Chronic respiratory failure with carbon-dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, OR requires tracheostomy. Very rare for OSA alone.
$ pay rate at 100% →
Evidence checklist
- Sleep study (polysomnogram or home sleep test) showing AHI (apnea-hypopnea index) ≥ 5 events/hour
- CPAP/BiPAP prescription + use records (compliance reports from device download — typically 4+ hours/night for 70%+ of nights)
- In-service sleep disturbance documentation (if claiming direct service-connection) OR diagnosis after service (if claiming secondary to PTSD/burn-pit/weight gain)
- Nexus letter linking sleep apnea to in-service event/condition (often filed as secondary to PTSD, TBI, or PACT-Act respiratory presumptives)
Common filing mistakes
- Not filing as secondary to a service-connected condition — sleep apnea secondary to PTSD/TBI/burn-pit is much more commonly granted than direct service-connection
- Claiming 100% based on CPAP alone — CPAP only triggers 50%, not 100%
- Failing to claim secondary conditions like erectile dysfunction (often secondary to OSA) which can add a SMC-K award
How to file
File VA Form 21-526EZ with the diagnosis evidence above. A free CVSO will assemble your claim and file it on your behalf at no cost.
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Vet Centers offer free counseling for combat veterans and MST survivors.
Related conditions
Other VA rating guides
About this guide
VA disability rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). Criteria are subject to revision; always verify current rules at va.gov/disability/ before filing. This page is informational and is not a substitute for personalized advice from a CVSO, VSO representative, or VA-accredited attorney. Free claim help available from CVSOs and VSOs.