Despite the prevalence of sleep apnea among veterans, it typically arises as a secondary condition from another injury they sustained during their military service. Hence, most veterans treat a VA sleep apnea rating as more of a secondary disability than a benefit for primary VA claims assistance.
Getting a VA rating for sleep apnea through direct VA claims is still possible, but it will require verifiable sources, official medical documentation, and buddy statements to obtain veterans’ benefits.
Acquiring education, knowledge, and expertise on this information may seem inaccessible. Still, with J4V’s disability benefits education service and our expert veteran coaches, we guarantee to provide you with the ultimate know-how in filing your VA claim.
Before we take a deep dive into how you can directly connect sleep apnea to your military service, you must first identify whether you are indeed experiencing it.
Sleep Apnea Definition
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects a person’s breathing. Loud snoring and fatigue, even with a full 8 hours of sleep, are the most common symptoms.
Types of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Blockage of airflow into the lungs; this condition is most common among those with sleep apnea.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): The transmission between your muscles and the brain is not working properly, rendering difficulty in breathing.
Treatment-Emergent Central Sleep Apnea: This occurs when a diagnosis confirms that someone has developed OSA, which has converted into CSA upon treatment for OSA.
What are the symptoms?
- Persistent loud snoring.
- Breathing interruptions during sleep—confirmation from family or friends.
- Gasping for air while asleep.
- Waking up with a dry mouth.
- Morning headaches.
- Trouble staying asleep, or insomnia.
- Extreme daytime drowsiness, also called hypersomnia.
- Trouble focusing when awake.
- Increased irritability.
Conditions Linked to Sleep Apnea
These are the primary VA disabilities that can cause sleep apnea.
- PTSD
- Major Depressive Disorders, or Severe Social Anxiety
- High Blood Pressure, or Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Reactive Airway Disease
- Migraines and Headaches
- Heart Conditions
- Obesity
Connecting Sleep Apnea to My Military Service
To obtain a VA disability rating for sleep apnea, you will need a physician’s diagnosis confirming your condition. You should conduct a sleep study and gather additional evidence to confirm whether your condition developed during your active duty or worsened during your service.
Securing a nexus letter will also be beneficial for sleep apnea VA ratings, especially if you are claiming sleep apnea as a secondary condition.
Current VA Rating for Sleep Apnea
Current sleep apnea VA rating 2024 includes the following information:
- 0%: Mild Sleep Apnea VA Rating
- 30% – Persistent, or excessive, daytime sleepiness
- 50% – Breathing devices, such as CPAP machines, are required
- 100%– Severe Sleep Apnea VA Rating; Respiratory failure with carbon dioxide buildup or cor pulmonale (a condition leading to right-sided heart failure) or a condition that necessitates a tracheostomy.
Is it hard to get a VA disability for Sleep Apnea?
Obtaining a sleep apnea VA rating can be challenging. To ensure you receive the appropriate rating, it’s essential to do the following:
Collect thorough medical documentation.
This includes sleep studies, physician’s notes, and treatment records specifically related to sleep apnea, as well as documentation for any related conditions.
Secure service-connected evidence and an informed record of your conditions.
To be eligible for VA claims assistance for sleep apnea, you must secure records or buddy statements that detail your snoring or breathing problems while you were sleeping in service.
Document how sleep apnea is affecting your life. Have a family member or friend check if you have breathing interruptions while sleeping.
Need assistance? Go for J4V DBES (Disability Benefits Educational Service)
These are the necessary information you will need for a successful sleep apnea VA claim; however, if you need further assistance or have any further questions, you can talk to one of our experienced veterans by clicking here.
The labyrinth-like process of VA may be difficult to navigate, but not impossible to stir. If in case that you need further educational assistance, or information about how to claim your VA disability claim with ease, then our services are for you.
The J4V DBES includes the following:
- Thorough Explanation and Walkthrough: We will provide you with every detail, information, and knowledge that you will need when filing for a VA claim.
- Evidence Review: have the documents, but think something is lacking? We conduct a HIPAA compliant review of your medical records, helping you acquire the best course of action.
- Consultation at no extra cost: Get one-on-one coaching with our experienced veterans and develop a strategy for your VA sleep apnea claim for free.
We would love to talk with you and help you get the correct VA rating you deserve! Visit our VA claims assistance page and book a strategy session now at no extra cost!