Sleep Apnea (Obstructive/Central/Mixed)
Apneic episodes during sleep. CPAP-required = 50% rating (current rule; proposed changes have not been finalized). Hard to win directly post-service — much easier as secondary.
Common symptoms
- Loud snoring
- Witnessed apnea
- Daytime fatigue
- Morning headache
- Memory problems
VA rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale; or requires tracheostomy |
| 50% | Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine |
| 30% | Persistent day-time hypersomnolence |
| 0% | Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing |
Pro tips
Often claimed secondary to
If you're already service-connected for any of these, Sleep Apnea (Obstructive/Central/Mixed) is often a viable secondary claim.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Mental health condition from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Stressor verification required (except combat-related, which is presumed if consistent with circumstances of service).
Chronic Allergic / Vasomotor Rhinitis
Chronic nasal inflammation. PACT Act presumptive.
Chronic Sinusitis
Sinus inflammation 3+ months. PACT Act presumptive for qualifying Gulf War / post-9/11 veterans.
Bronchial Asthma
Reversible airway obstruction. PACT Act presumptive when diagnosed after qualifying service.
Deviated Nasal Septum
Often used as primary for sleep apnea secondary claims.
Filing this claim
For most veterans this is filed as a secondary claim. You need a nexus letter linking it to a service-connected primary condition. Use the letter generators to draft your nexus letter and Statement in Support of Claim.
Step by step
- File an Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to lock your effective date.
- Confirm you have a current medical diagnosis in a medical record.
- Get a nexus letter — magic phrase: "at least as likely as not."
- Write a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138).
- If applicable, gather buddy statements (21-10210).
- File the formal 21-526EZ.
Source: 38 CFR §4.97. For exact regulatory language, consult eCFR Title 38. This is general education — for your specific case, consult a VA-accredited representative.