Sleep Apnea
The VA rates sleep apnea under 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6847 and evaluates it based on severity of symptoms and treatment required.
Step 1
Review the Key Factors:
Rating Criteria (38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6847)
- Diagnosis by sleep study, but symptoms are asymptomatic or do not impair functioning.
- Persistent daytime hypersomnolence (excessive sleepiness).
- Often shown through medical records, reports of falling asleep at work, driving, etc.
- Requires use of a CPAP machine or similar breathing assistance device.
- Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention, cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure), or requires a tracheostomy. This is rare but the highest level.
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Sleep apnea is frequently granted secondary to:
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PTSD
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Obesity as an intermediate step
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Sinusitis / rhinitis
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Deviated septum
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
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GERD
Requires a medical nexus opinion
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Step 2
Continue with the quiz for sleep apnea.
When completed, you will view the results of your quiz.
The VA is updating it’s sleep apnea criteria. We are seeing many claims denied unless a sleep study is conducted while active duty.