Massive changes to VA Ratings for Sleep Apnea could be coming by summer 2024.
The new ratings, if approved, would be 0%, 10%, 50%, and 100%.
The biggest change would be the ending of the “automatic” 50% CPAP VA rating for sleep apnea if a veteran requires the use of a breathing device.
The 30% rating for sleep apnea would also be removed.
Overall, I think the proposed VA rating changes to sleep apnea are going to be bad for veterans because the 50% rating with a CPAP is gonzo (most common rating now); instead, under the new criteria, I think a veteran with a CPAP will only get a 10% rating.
Okay, let’s explore the new ratings for Sleep Apnea in more detail.
What is the VA Sleep Apnea Changes Effective Date?
The exact implementation date is not known; however, summer 2024 is our best guess.
Also note that once the VA has finalized these proposed changes, there is a 60 day “cooling off” period before the changes take effect.
What does this mean for you?
GET YOUR SLEEP APNEA VA CLAIM IN NOW!
Pro Tip: If you already have a VA rating for sleep apnea, you are “grandfathered” in at your current VA rating, regardless of any changes.
*NEW* Changes to VA Ratings for Sleep Apnea
| DC 6847, Proposed Changes to VA Ratings for Sleep Apnea | VA Rating |
|---|---|
| Sleep apnea with ineffective treatment (as determined by sleep study) or unable to use treatment due to comorbid conditions; and with end-organ damage | 100% |
| Sleep apnea with ineffective treatment (as determined by sleep study) or unable to use treatment due to comorbid conditions; and without end-organ damage | 50% |
| Sleep apnea with incomplete relief (as determined by sleep study) with treatment | 10% |
| Asymptomatic with or without treatment | 0% |
Note: Qualifying comorbidities are conditions that, in the opinion of a qualified medical provider, directly impede or prevent the habitual use of a recognized form of treatment shown by sleep study to be effective in the affected veteran’s case (e.g., contact dermatitis where the mask or interface touches the face or nares, Parkinson’s disease, missing limbs, facial disfigurement, or skull fracture).
[Download] the Proposed VA Rating Changes for Sleep Apnea Syndromes
About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is one of the top VA disability benefits experts in the world and bestselling author of You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits You’ve Earned (Second Edition).
Brian’s frustration with the VA claim process led him to create VA Claims Insider, which provides disabled veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned to win their VA disability compensation claim, faster, even if they’ve already filed, been denied, gave up, or don’t know where to start.
As the founder of VA Claims Insider and CEO of Military Disability Made Easy, he has helped serve more than 10 million military members and veterans since 2013 through free online educational resources.
He is a former active duty Air Force officer with extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO, and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class).
