Did you know if you suffer from sleep apnea secondary to rhinitis, you may qualify for additional VA compensation?
This post will educate you on VA sleep apnea secondary to allergic rhinitis and how to strengthen your VA disability claim and prove service connection.
We’ll examine how the VA rates sleep apnea secondary to rhinitis and show you the quickest way to file a VA claim.
Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- You may qualify for a VA rating for sleep apnea secondary to rhinitis if you can prove your primary service-connected condition (rhinitis) caused or aggravated your secondary condition (sleep apnea).
- VA disability ratings for sleep apnea secondary to rhinitis fall under diagnostic code 6847 (Schedule of Ratings – Sleep Apnea Syndromes) and range from 0% to 100%, with breaks at 30% and 50%.
- A nexus letter for sleep apnea secondary to rhinitis may help strengthen your VA claim and provide credibility to help you win the VA rating you rightfully deserve.
What are VA Secondary Conditions?
Let’s start with the basics: what are VA secondary conditions?
A secondary condition (SC) occurs when a service-connected disability has caused or has aggravated a new or pre-existing condition, illness, or injury.
However, you still must provide evidence directly linking the two to receive benefits for your secondary condition.
The good news is your secondary conditions may qualify you for a higher VA disability rating! See related.
Sleep Apnea Secondary to Rhinitis: What’s the Link?
Chronic nasal congestion caused by rhinitis can lead to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by narrowing the nasal passages, making it harder to breathe while lying down.
When the airway is already compromised by inflammation or blockage, breathing disruptions during sleep are more likely.
There are two main types of rhinitis: nonallergic and allergic. Nonallergic rhinitis is generally caused by an acute viral infection, while allergic rhinitis may be seasonal, perennial, or occupational.
A 2020 study found that allergic rhinitis was associated with higher risks of nocturnal dysfunctions, including insomnia, nocturnal enuresis, restless sleep, sleep-disordered breathing, obstructive sleep apnea, and snoring.
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How the VA Rates Sleep Apnea Secondary to Rhinitis
The VA rates sleep apnea at 0%, 30%, 50%, and 100%, depending on the severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms.
You can find the VA rating for sleep apnea under 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6847 Schedule of Ratings—Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed).
| 6847 Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) | Sleep Apnea VA Disability Rating |
| Chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or; requires tracheostomy | 100% |
| Requires use of breathing assistance device such as continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machine | 50% |
| Persistent daytime hypersomnolence | 30% |
| Asymptomatic but with documented sleep disorder breathing | 0% |
Establishing a Secondary Service Connection
To establish a secondary service connection, you must provide the VA with two primary pieces of evidence:
- Current Medical Diagnosis: You must have a current diagnosis of your secondary condition documented in a medical record by a qualified medical professional.
- Nexus Evidence Between the Two Conditions: You must provide medical evidence that links your secondary condition to the already service-connected condition.
RELATED: What is Secondary Service Connection for VA Disability?
Sleep Apnea Secondary to Allergic Rhinitis Nexus Letter
While the VA doesn’t require nexus letters, we highly recommend a nexus letter for secondary conditions. They can help strengthen your claim and offer the credibility you need to support your VA disability claim.
The key is to obtain a nexus letter with high-probative value from a licensed healthcare provider.
A sleep apnea secondary to allergic rhinitis nexus letter with high-probative value should include:
- The physician’s credentials, particularly ones that make them a trustworthy source for the following opinion. (i.e., a pulmonologist about respiratory conditions)
- A reference indicating that the physician composing the letter has thoroughly reviewed the veteran’s medical records and military records that pertain to the claim.
- The physician’s opinion regarding the cause of the current diagnosed condition and its relation to the veteran’s military service.
- Medical rationale that fully supports the physician’s opinion.
Related: Sample Nexus Letter for VA Disability Claims
Filing a VA Claim for Sleep Apnea Secondary to Rhinitis
When filing a VA claim, you’ll need to download and complete VA Form 21-526EZ. The following are the basic steps to filing a claim with the VA.
- Determine your eligibility for VA compensation
- Gather any relevant evidence and/or supporting documents
- Thoroughly complete your VA claim application
Note: If you plan to file for disability compensation using a paper form, you may want to submit an intent to file form first. This can give you the time you need to gather your evidence while avoiding a later potential start date (also called an effective date).
How to File a VA Claim Online! (Video Tutorial)
How to Strengthen Your VA Claim
One of the best ways to help strengthen your VA claim is to provide relevant medical evidence proving your case. It’s vital you keep detailed medical records, so you can include them in your VA application for sleep apnea secondary to rhinitis.
In addition, you can supply lay statements (statements in support of claim) from people with firsthand knowledge of your condition, including but not limited to:
- Family members
- Close friends
- Pastors
- Fellow veterans
SEE MORE: VA Lay Statement Examples
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sleep apnea secondary to allergic rhinitis nexus letter?
Nexus letters can help prove secondary service connection. While the VA doesn’t require nexus letters, they are highly recommended when filing for secondary conditions. A sleep apnea secondary to allergic rhinitis nexus letter may provide the missing link to prove to the VA that your condition was caused or aggravated by your military service.
SEE MORE: Do I Need a Nexus Letter?
What is the highest VA rating for sleep apnea secondary to rhinitis?
The highest VA rating for sleep apnea secondary to allergic rhinitis is 100%, with most veterans receiving a 50% rating for obstructive sleep apnea.
How Does the VA Rate Secondary Conditions?
The VA rates secondary conditions using the same criteria as primary service-connected conditions, according to the VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities from 0% to 100% in increments of 10%.
However, you must prove your secondary condition is linked to a service-connected condition rather than directly to military service.
What happens if my sleep apnea secondary to rhinitis claim is denied?
If your VA claim for sleep apnea secondary to rhinitis is denied, you have the right to one of the following appeal options:
Still waiting for an answer to your appeal? Check out our post How Long Does a VA Appeal Take? for more information on the VA appeal timeline.
NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?
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Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully developed claim (FDC)—so you can increase your rating fast! If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating—or you’re unsure how to get started—reach out to us!
Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. Learn what you’ve been missing—so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you deserve!
Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
