C&P Exam Guide
Sleep Apnea C&P Exam
The examiner will review your sleep study results, confirm diagnosis, assess severity, and evaluate service connection.
DBQ: Sleep Apnea DBQ
Exam type: In-person or Telehealth
Typical duration: 15-30 minutes
What the Examiner Looks For
Confirmed diagnosis via sleep study (polysomnogram), CPAP usage and compliance, symptom frequency, and nexus to service.
Related Diagnostic Codes
DC 6847
Sleep Apnea Syndromes
General Tips for Every C&P Exam
📝Be honest — do not exaggerate or minimize.
📝Describe your WORST days, not your best.
📝Focus on how the condition impacts your daily life and ability to work.
📝Keep a symptom journal or diary before your exam.
📝Review the DBQ for your condition beforehand.
📝Arrive early and bring all relevant records.
📝You can bring a support person (spouse, friend).
📝The exam is for evaluation, not treatment — do not expect prescriptions.
📝The examiner is not your doctor — they report findings to the VA.
📝If you disagree with the exam results, you can request a new exam.
✅ DO
⚠️ Critical tip
Have a current sleep study on file — this is required for diagnosis
⚠️ Critical tip
If you use a CPAP, make sure it is documented — CPAP use = minimum 50% rating
Describe when symptoms started and any connection to military service
Explain daytime fatigue, concentration issues, and how they affect work
Mention if your sleep apnea is secondary to another condition (PTSD, weight gain from medication, etc.)
❌ DON'T
Don't attend without sleep study results documented in your records
Don't downplay daytime sleepiness or fatigue
📋 BRING
Sleep study results
CPAP compliance data if available
Records showing when symptoms began
🔍 EXPECT
Questions about sleep quality, snoring, witnessed breathing cessation
Review of your sleep study results
Questions about CPAP usage and compliance
Questions about daytime symptoms
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal or medical advice. Every veteran's situation is unique. Consider consulting with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or VA-accredited attorney for personalized guidance.