When is the VA Changing the Ratings for Sleep Apnea?

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Major changes to how the VA assigns disability ratings for sleep apnea could be coming by the end of 2025—and veterans need to pay very close attention.

If finalized, the VA will eliminate the current 30% rating and remove the “automatic” 50% rating for veterans who use a CPAP machine or similar breathing device.

Right now, most veterans with service-connected sleep apnea receive a 50% rating simply by showing that they use a CPAP.

Under the proposed rules, the current 50% rating for sleep apnea tied to CPAP use could be reduced to just 10%—a significant cut in monthly compensation for thousands of veterans trying to service-connect their sleep apnea.

Let’s explore what’s changing, when it could happen, and how to protect yourself.

>> Want to Read About All the Proposed 2025 VA Rating CHANGES? Click Here Now!

Summary of Key Points

• First, the VA is expected to finalize and implement new sleep apnea rating criteria under Diagnostic Code 6847 by the end of calendar year 2025. Once finalized, there will be a 60-day period before the changes officially take effect.

• Second, the proposed changes remove the 30% rating entirely and eliminate the 50% rating based solely on the use of a CPAP or breathing device. Veterans will no longer be awarded a 50% rating just for using a machine—they’ll need to show that treatment is ineffective or that comorbid conditions prevent its use.

• Third, the new rating system for sleep apnea introduces four tiers: 0%, 10%, 50%, and 100%. These levels are based on the effectiveness of treatment, the veteran’s ability to use treatment, and the presence or absence of end-organ damage.

• Finally, veterans with existing ratings for sleep apnea will be grandfathered in. That means your current rating will remain protected even after the new criteria are in place. However, if you have not yet filed a claim for sleep apnea, now is the time to act.

Did the VA Change the Sleep Apnea Ratings?

Negative.

As of the date of this article, the VA has not finalized any changes to the sleep apnea rating criteria.

However, significant updates have been proposed—and if approved, they could go into effect as early as late 2025.

But again, nothing is final yet.

When Will the VA Change the Sleep Apnea Ratings?

There is no exact implementation date yet, but fall or winter of 2025 is the most likely timeframe based on the VA’s public comments and rulemaking process.

After the changes are finalized, a 60-day implementation window will begin, meaning the new rules could take effect as early as November or December 2025.

What does this mean for you?

If you haven’t filed a VA claim for sleep apnea yet, you should do it immediately.

Once the new rules take effect, it will be significantly harder to qualify for a rating of 50% or higher.

Pro Tip: If you already have a VA rating for sleep apnea, you will be grandfathered in at your current level. The new changes will not affect your existing benefits unless you submit a new claim or request an increase.

NEW Proposed Changes to VA Ratings for Sleep Apnea (DC 6847)

Here’s a breakdown of the proposed new criteria for rating sleep apnea under DC 6847:

100% VA Rating for Sleep Apnea

• Criteria: Sleep apnea with ineffective treatment (as confirmed by a sleep study) or inability to use treatment due to qualifying comorbid conditions, and with end-organ damage.

• Explanation: This is the highest possible rating. It’s reserved for veterans whose sleep apnea treatment doesn’t work or can’t be used—and their condition has caused significant damage to vital organs such as the heart, brain, liver, or kidneys.

• Example: A veteran with service-connected sleep apnea and heart failure who cannot use a CPAP due to facial disfigurement from an IED blast would likely qualify. A sleep study confirms treatment is ineffective, and cardiology notes show clear signs of cardiac damage.

50% VA Rating for Sleep Apnea

• Criteria: Sleep apnea with ineffective treatment or inability to use treatment due to comorbid conditions, without end-organ damage.

• Explanation: This level is for veterans whose sleep apnea remains untreated or uncontrolled because the treatment doesn’t work or can’t be used, but they haven’t developed organ damage yet.

• Example: A veteran with Parkinson’s disease who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy due to tremors or poor mask fit may meet the 50% criteria if a sleep study shows their apnea is not adequately controlled and there’s no current organ damage.

10% VA Rating for Sleep Apnea

• Criteria: Sleep apnea with incomplete relief from treatment, as shown by a sleep study.

• Explanation: This rating applies to veterans who are using CPAP or other treatments, but they still experience some symptoms. Their treatment provides only partial relief, not full resolution.

• Example: A veteran using a CPAP every night still reports moderate fatigue and poor sleep quality. A follow-up sleep study shows mild improvement, but not complete control of the condition

0% VA Rating for Sleep Apnea

• Criteria: Asymptomatic sleep apnea, with or without treatment.

• Explanation: If a veteran has a diagnosis of sleep apnea but no current symptoms—or if treatment is fully effective and they function normally—the VA may assign a non-compensable 0% rating.

• Example: A veteran diagnosed with mild obstructive sleep apnea uses a CPAP successfully with no lingering symptoms and reports sleeping well, with no daytime fatigue or functional issues.

Important Note on Comorbid Conditions:

For the 50% and 100% ratings, the inability to use treatment must be due to qualifying comorbidities—conditions that medically prevent the veteran from using a device like a CPAP.

These must be verified by a licensed healthcare provider and directly interfere with use of effective treatment.

Examples of qualifying comorbidities include:

• Parkinson’s disease: Causes tremors or mobility issues that prevent mask fit.

• Facial disfigurement: From combat injury or surgery that prevents proper CPAP seal.

• Missing limbs or head trauma: Affects positioning or equipment use.

• Contact dermatitis: Severe skin reaction to mask contact.

• Skull fracture: Prevents secure use of headgear or mask.

Could These Sleep Apnea VA Rating Changes Be Delayed or Canceled?

Yes—there’s still a chance.

While the VA has proposed major changes to how sleep apnea is evaluated and rated, nothing is final until the rule is officially published.

The current administration is reviewing all proposed rating schedule updates, and it’s possible that some—or all—of the changes could be delayed, modified, or withdrawn entirely.

My advice: Stay proactive. File your sleep apnea claim now under the current rules and be prepared for any outcome.

What If I Already Have a VA Rating for Sleep Apnea?

Good news—if you already have a service-connected VA rating for sleep apnea, you’re grandfathered in under the existing criteria.

That means your current rating will not be reduced just because the rules change.

The new criteria will apply only to new claims or to pending claims that haven’t been decided by the time the changes take effect.

Conclusion and Wrap-Up

If finalized, these changes would completely restructure how the VA evaluates and compensates veterans for service-connected sleep apnea.

• The 30% rating will be eliminated.

• The 50% rating for CPAP use will no longer be automatic.

• Under the new criteria, most veterans who currently qualify for a 50% rating would likely receive only 10%.

The good news is that if you already have a rating, you’re protected.

But if you’ve been waiting to file a claim for sleep apnea—don’t wait any longer!

Get your claims submitted now to protect the benefits you’ve earned.

And don’t ever stop fighting for the benefits you earned through your service to our country!

Remember this: YOU SERVED. YOU DESERVE.

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