EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Sleep Apnea (Aggravation) VA Disability Rating
DC 6847 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.97 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.7
Sleep Apnea (Aggravation) VA Disability Rating is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6847 of 38 C.F.R. § 4.97 across 4 severity tiers (100% -- FEV-1 <40% predicted / 60% -- FEV-1 40-55% / 30% -- FEV-1 56-70% / 10% -- FEV-1 71-80%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
OVERVIEW
Sleep apnea aggravation under 38 C.F.R. 3.310(b) when a service-connected condition worsens pre-existing sleep apnea. Weight gain from medications or limited mobility is a common aggravation pathway. The baseline severity must be established and the rating reflects only the degree of aggravation.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
100% -- FEV-1 <40% predicted
FEV-1 less than 40% of predicted, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40%, or more than one attack per week with respiratory failure.
60% -- FEV-1 40-55%
FEV-1 40-55% of predicted, or monthly physician visits for exacerbations, or intermittent systemic corticosteroids.
30% -- FEV-1 56-70%
FEV-1 56-70% of predicted, or daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy.
10% -- FEV-1 71-80%
FEV-1 71-80% of predicted, or intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records
-Current medical diagnosis and treatment records
-Buddy/lay statements
-Prescription history
-Employment impact documentation
-Any relevant diagnostic testing
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.
2.Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.
3.Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.
4.Mention all medications and their side effects.
5.Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026