Sleep Apnea Syndromes (DC 6847) | VA Rating Tool
| Diagnostic Code | 6847 |
|---|---|
| Category | The Respiratory System |
| Subcategory | Restrictive Lung Disease |
| Also Known As | cpap, osa, sleep apnea, Sleep Apnea, Sleep Apnea Syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, BiPAP, stop breathing, choking in sleep |
| CFR Section | 38 CFR § 4.97 |
📊 What Veterans Actually Get
Sleep apnea has an 82% approval rate. 65% of approved claimants receive 50% because CPAP use automatically qualifies for the 50% rating. This is one of the highest single-condition ratings veterans commonly receive.
Next Steps for This Condition
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 |
Conditions Secondary to This
8 linksSleep apnea causes repeated oxygen desaturation, directly elevating blood pressure. This is one of the strongest medical links.
Chronic sleep deprivation from untreated sleep apnea frequently leads to depression.
Untreated sleep apnea significantly increases risk of ischemic heart disease.
Sleep apnea increases intra-abdominal pressure, worsening acid reflux.
Sleep apnea increases risk of atrial fibrillation and cardiac arrhythmias through repeated hypoxia and cardiac stress.
Disrupted sleep and oxygen desaturation trigger migraines.
Fragmented sleep prevents restorative rest.
Sleep apnea worsens TBI recovery and cognitive symptoms.
This May Be Secondary To
21 linksNasal obstruction from chronic rhinitis contributes to sleep-disordered breathing
Heart disease and sleep apnea share bidirectional relationship
Airway inflammation and respiratory distress overlap with sleep apnea
PTSD causes hypervigilance, nightmares, and disrupted sleep patterns that contribute to obstructive sleep apnea. Medications for PTSD can cause weight gain and muscle relaxation.
Nasal obstruction directly contributes to obstructive sleep apnea
Chronic nasal congestion and inflammation obstruct airways during sleep
Shoulder pain disrupts sleep — cannot lie on affected side
Bipolar medications (mood stabilizers, antipsychotics) cause weight gain, contributing to sleep apnea.
Pain medications can relax the airway and decreased mobility can promote weight gain that worsens sleep apnea.
Reduced mobility leads to weight gain, a primary sleep apnea risk factor
Fibromyalgia severely disrupts sleep architecture
Anxiety disrupts sleep patterns and may worsen sleep-disordered breathing
GERD and sleep apnea have a bidirectional relationship, and nighttime reflux can worsen breathing problems.
Hypothyroidism causes weight gain and tissue swelling that narrows the upper airway, contributing to obstructive sleep apnea.
Opioids, muscle relaxers, and reduced mobility can contribute to sleep apnea.
Pain medications such as muscle relaxers and opioids can relax airway muscles. Reduced mobility can also contribute to weight gain.
Depression-related weight gain and inactivity increase sleep apnea risk
Chronic depression causes inactivity, weight gain, and medication side effects that contribute to sleep apnea.
TBI can cause neurological changes that affect breathing during sleep.
Pain disrupts sleep, medications may worsen sleep apnea
Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.