Update: massive changes to VA Ratings for Sleep Apnea could be coming by fall/winter 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, by the end of calendar year 2024 is our best guess right now.
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 a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
